History of Ohio flag

The current Ohio flag was adopted on May 9, 1902. However, the flag’s design and symbolism have evolved over time. The first Ohio state flag, adopted in 1865, has a blue background with the Ohio coat of arms at the center. The coat of arms depicts the state seal surrounded by a narrow white circle with seventeen stars representing Ohio as the seventeenth state to join the Union.

In 1902, a new design was introduced and is still in use today. It consists of three horizontal stripes of red, white and red in the shape of a pennant. The white stripe is slightly larger and bears the Ohio coat of arms. There is a blue triangular area on the coat of arms with 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies, an eagle symbolizing American strength and liberty, a sheaf of wheat symbolizing agriculture, and a bunch of seventeen arrows symbolizing the power of Ohio to defend its people.

In 1965, the word “OHIO” was added below the national emblem of the flag to further enhance its recognizability. The design remains unchanged and symbolizes Ohio’s history, values ​​and pride.