Introduction

The flag of Dallas, Texas, is a distinctive and modern civic banner featuring a triangular field divided into two main sections. The left portion is a large royal blue field containing a single, prominent white five-pointed star. To the right, the flag is divided horizontally into two equal stripes of red (top) and white (bottom), creating a bold and simple geometric composition.

Adopted in 1967, the flag was the result of a public competition and represents a significant departure from more traditional seal-on-a-bedsheet municipal designs. Its clean, angular lines and symbolic use of color make it a recognizable emblem for the city. The design is often praised for its striking visual impact and its effective use of basic heraldic elements.

The flag's layout is unique among U.S. city flags, with the star positioned centrally on the blue field and the red and white stripes extending to the fly. This structure creates a dynamic and forward-moving appearance, which was intentionally designed to symbolize progress.

Meaning & Symbolism

The flag's symbolism is directly tied to the city's identity and aspirations. The large white star represents the state of Texas, the "Lone Star State," of which Dallas is a major metropolis. The royal blue field upon which the star rests symbolizes loyalty and the city's stature.

The red stripe symbolizes the blood and sacrifice of the pioneers who founded the city, while the white stripe represents purity and high ideals. Together, the red and white stripes also echo the colors found in the flags of both the United States and the Republic of Texas, creating a layered historical connection.

History of the Dallas Flag

The flag was adopted on February 13, 1967, following a design competition organized by the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. The winning entry was submitted by E. L. Gilchrist, an advertising executive for the Tracy-Locke advertising agency. The competition sought a fresh, modern symbol to represent the growing city.

The design was selected from numerous submissions and was officially accepted by the Dallas City Council. It replaced a previous, less distinctive flag, establishing the current banner as the sole official civic flag of Dallas.

Curiosities

  • The flag's unique triangular field division is a rare design in vexillology, making it stand out among North American municipal flags.
  • In a 2004 survey by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), the Dallas flag was ranked 18th best among 150 major U.S. city flags.
  • The flag's proportions are officially defined as 2:3, and the specific shades are often given as Royal Blue (Pantone 286 C) and Red (Pantone 185 C).

Download Flag

Download the flag of Dallas in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.

Construction Sheet

The flag's hoist height to fly length ratio is 2:3. The blue triangular field occupies the left half of the flag, forming a right triangle where the vertical side is the full hoist and the horizontal side is half the fly length. The single white star is centered within this blue field. The remaining right half of the flag is divided into two equal horizontal stripes, with the red stripe on top and the white stripe on the bottom, each measuring one-quarter of the flag's total hoist.

Flags Similar to Dallas Flag

Common Misidentifications

Occasionally misidentified at a distance as a Texas state flag variant due to the prominent lone star and shared color scheme.