Introduction
The flag of Ohio is a distinctive and unique burgee shape, making it the only non-rectangular state flag in the United States. Its design features a large blue triangle at the hoist, with five alternating red and white stripes extending to the fly, which is a swallowtail. At the center of the blue triangle is a red disc encircled by a white "O" and surrounded by 17 white stars.
The flag's unconventional shape and bold use of red, white, and blue make it highly recognizable. The arrangement of elements creates a dynamic visual flow from the hoist to the fly, with the stripes and the notched fly adding to its distinctive character.
Officially adopted in 1902, the flag's design is rich with symbolism related to Ohio's geography, history, and its place within the United States. Its unique construction and symbolic depth have earned it praise from vexillologists for its good design principles.
Meaning & Symbolism
The colors red, white, and blue echo the national flag, representing courage, purity, and vigilance. The 17 white stars signify that Ohio was the 17th state to join the Union. The 13 stars grouped around the circle further honor the original thirteen colonies.
The central grouping of stars forms a circle around a red disc with a white center, which together resemble the letter "O" and an eye. This symbolizes both the state's name and the phrase "The Buckeye State," as the buckeye nut has a prominent eye. The blue triangular field represents the state's hills and valleys, while the stripes symbolize its roads and waterways.
History of the Ohio Flag
The flag was designed by John Eisenmann, an architect, for the Ohio Building at the Pan-American Exposition in 1901. Its striking design was so well-received that it was officially adopted as the state flag by the Ohio legislature on May 9, 1902.
The flag's specifications were initially based on Eisenmann's architectural drawings. Its precise legal description and standardization were later codified in the Ohio Revised Code, ensuring its consistent reproduction.
Curiosities
- Ohio's flag is the only non-rectangular U.S. state flag; its shape is a swallowtail burgee.
- The flag's design is so esteemed that it was ranked as the 3rd best U.S. state flag in a 2001 survey by the North American Vexillological Association.
- A provision in the flag's design guide states it may be flown at night, as it is considered 'perpetually flying' over the statehouse.
Download Flag
Download the flag of Ohio 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 unique burgee shape has a hoist-to-fly ratio of 8:13. The blue triangle at the hoist has its apex at the center of the fly's midpoint. The five stripes are of equal width, with the sequence from the top being red, white, red, white, red. The swallowtail fly is created by a diagonal line from the vertical midpoint to the outer corner of the top and bottom stripes.
Flags Similar to Ohio Flag
Common Misidentifications
Rarely misidentified due to its unique shape, but its colors may loosely associate it with other red, white, and blue national or state flags from a distance.