Adopted in 1901. New York State was one of the original 13 states, adopting its own constitution in 1777 and becoming the 11th State after ratifying the US Constitution in 1788. New York City was the first Capital of the United States intermittently between 1785 and 1790. The State Flag depicts the Great Seal of the State of New York (adopted 1778) on a blue background. The banner shows the State motto--Excelsior--which means "Ever Upward. "On a banner below is the State motto, Excelsior, which means "Ever Upward." (ref: nysl.nysed.gov, Great Seal, State Flag).