When you see the flag of Ohio flying, what do you feel? What does this flag represent for you? For me, this represents my home. I wanted to learn a little more about our flag, so I did a little research. Here's what I found out...
- It was designed in 1901 by John Eisemann who was the architect and designer for the Ohio State Pan-American Exposition Commission
- It was adopted as the official state flag on July 10, 1902
- It is the only state flag that is not rectangular
- The blue triangle represents the hills and valleys while the stripes represent the roads and waterways
- There are 5 stripes because Ohio was one of 5 states who were part of the Northwest Territory
- 17 stars represent that Ohio was the 17th state admitted to the union
- The white "O" represents the "O" in Ohio while also representing a buckeye due to the red interior
Pretty cool stuff, just thought I'd share!
I was delighted to see your info this am on fb. I just moved to Cincinnati the end of Aug. and LOVE IT here..I have lived many places including CA.,AZ,NM,CT,MA,NY,FLA, and overseas. What I am seeing is diversity,friendliness, and growth and redevelopment which are all positive things for communities and states.
Congratulate yourself Ohioans because you are the state’s best asset!
By gabrielle Lundy on February 04, 2013
Another little-known fact about the Ohio state flag: The shape is often called burgee, but that just means a triangular flag, commonly used by sailing clubs. It’s really a special hybrid of the swallowtail and burgee shapes. Swallowtail meaning that a V shape of some kind is present, but most swallowtail flags are rectangular otherwise. Several cavalry divisions flew swallowtail flags during the Civil War and Spanish American War, which may have influenced Eisemann’s choice.
By Troy Davis on February 01, 2013