Ohio residents may be quite familiar with their state’s unique flag. Featuring a red, white, and blue aesthetic, it boasts a highly symbolic design. If you’re curious about how it was created and what it means, here’s a little bit more about its background.

What You Should Know About the Ohio Flag

What Does It Symbolize?

Some may look at the state’s flag and mistake it for a pennant. It features a blue triangle element that extends right from the side and represents the state’s numerous valleys and hills. This blue portion is dotted with 17 white stars, 13 of which surround a red circle outlined in white. The rounded shape represents Ohio’s “O,” while the 13 stars honor the country’s original colonies. There are two stars each on the top and bottom corners. In total, the 17 stars represent Ohio, which was the 17th state to join the Union. The flag is finished with three red and two white stripes, which are a reflection of the state’s roads and rivers.

Who Invented the Flag?

In 1900, John Eisemann won a bid to design the Ohio Building on the grounds of the Pan-American Exposition in 1901. When he discovered that the state didn’t have its own flag, he decided to create one that he could place over his newly designed building. His initial goal was to create something that stood out, and he was so sure of his design that he patented it. The state adopted the flag for the state in 1902.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Unlike every other state in the nation, which have rectangular flags, Ohio’s is a swallowtail silhouette. It’s often referred to as the “Ohio Burgee.” Burgees typically refer to nautical flags and are used by recreational boaters. Ohio’s silhouette is so similar to genuine burgees that the nickname stuck.

Harbortown Flag is proud to offer a wide range of flags, flagpoles, and flag accessories for discerning shoppers. Based in Vermilion, OH, the company’s staff will work closely with you to help you select the right product for your needs. Their U.S. and Ohio flags are made with different materials for light breezes and strong winds, and they are stocked in a variety of sizes. To find out more about their products, visit them online, or call (440) 967-3524.