Ohio State Flags

The state flag of Ohio can easily be distinguished from all other state flags in the United States. It is the only state flag to have a broad pennant shape, which would make it one of the most unique flags in the United States even if it did not also have an unusually distinctive pattern.

Ohio State Flag History

Ohio state flag history does not extend as far back as the history of the state because Ohio went without a state flag for almost a century. The history of Ohio’s flag began with the Pan-American Exposition of 1901, which included an area that displayed a flag for each state in America. An architect named John Eisenmann designed the flag, which was originally intended to represent the Pan-American Exposition Commission of Ohio rather than the state itself. It was adopted as a state flag on May 9, 1902.

The bill was approved without controversy, but the flag remained unpopular because many people believed that the national flag should take priority over state flags during displays. It has become more popular over time, and now it is a common sight in Ohio. The flag itself has never been changed, but the state legislature did create the most recent entry into the Ohio state flag history when it authorized a specific procedure for folding the flag in 2005.

About the Ohio State Flag’s Design

Ohio state flags have five horizontal stripes of red and white that stretch out from a blue triangle that is arranged along the hoist. The triangle contains a cluster of seventeen white stars along the hoist and a smaller group of four stars near the triangle's peak. The triangle also includes a red circle with a white border. The entire flag has a pennon shape rather than the rectangle that characterizes every other state flag. 

As mentioned previously, the pennon-shaped flag was designed by John Eisenmann. A pennon is extremely different from a pennant because it ends in a swallow-tail shape, rather than in a point.

Colors and Symbolism of the Ohio State Flag

The red, white, and blue color scheme reflects the colors of the national flag. The state's connection to the rest of the country is also emphasized by the cluster of thirteen stars, which represent the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. The smaller group of four stars brings the total number to seventeen, which represents Ohio's place as the seventeenth state to join the Union.

The "O" shape is a reference to the state's name, which was derived from the Iroquois word meaning "great river." The "O" shape is also significant in that it alludes to the shape of the buckeye tree's seed. The buckeye was confirmed as the state tree of Ohio in 1953, but long before that Ohio had already earned the nickname of “The Buckeye State.” The five stripes on the flag are said to represent Ohio's hills and valleys.

A Short History of Ohio - The Buckeye State

In 1788 the first settlers arrived in Ohio, and it became part of the territory ceded to the USA in 1783. It was then part of the Northwest Territory, and became a state on March 1, 1803.

Area of Ohio: 41,330 sq. miles
Capital: Columbus
Major Products: coal, oil, gas, maize, wheat, oats, non-electrical machinery, transport equipment
State Motto: With God all things are possible

Products Related to Ohio State Flags

Looking for another flag to accompany your Ohio flag? Browse our American Flags and Historical Flags for some options that will nicely complement your new OH flag.

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Have questions or can't find the Ohio state flag you are looking for? Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online and we'll be happy to assist you!

Interested in browsing other US state flags? You can find flags for all the United States here!