Illinois state flag
The Illinois flag, adopted in 1969, consists of a white field with the state’s seal in the center. This seal features a bald eagle, a shield, a rock, and a banner in the bird’s beak with the state’s motto, “Union, National, Sovereignty, State.” Under the state seal is the state’s name, “ILLINOIS.”
All of our flags at Star Spangled Flags are 100% made in the USA from start to finish! We use a tough, nylon fabric to hold up outdoors, extra stitching on the fly end of the flag, and a special UV coating to prevent fading from the sun.
Illinois flag, Made in USA
The State of Illinois is known by many nicknames, but the official slogan in “The Land of Lincoln.” Lincoln was born in Kentucky but started his political career in the state of Illinois. Another popular nickname given to Illinois is “The Prairie State” due to its abundance of prairie grasses. According to history records, the nickname dates back as far back as 1842. During those times the state was covered in prairies. Every month of September a week is designated to pay homage to the native prairies.
Illinois is located in the Midwestern region of the country and bordered by the Indiana on its north south line, Wisconsin on its north, Lake Michigan on its northeast, and Iowa and Missouri on its west.
It’s the fifth most populous state in the country so it’s not surprising to it’s O’hare International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports. It’s famous for The Blues Brothers, The Bulls (especially during the 90s), Chicago (The Windy City), The Sears Tower, Al Capone and President Abraham Lincoln. More Illinois Flag questions are .
Many “firsts” happened in Illinois:
- Illinois is the birth place of a popular American snack – Twinkies!
- The State of Illinois was the first to abolish slavery through ratification of the 13th amendment.
- “Jazz” was coined in Chicago in 1914.
- The City of Lights, Aurora, was the first to use electric street lighting.
- The creator of the famous cartoon, Popeye the Sailor, Elzie Crisler Segar, was born in this state.
The state’s rich history and culture make it easy to fall in love with this state. And it shows in the state’s colorful events and celebrations. Some of the famous events include:
- Chicago Chinese New Year Parade – January
- Chicago Underground Film Festival – March
- Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March
- Chicago Gay Pride Parade – June
- Taste of Chicago – July
- Lollapalooza – August
- Chicago Air & Water Show – August
- Chicago Jazz Festival – late August to early September
- Chicago Marathon – October Chicago International Film Festival – October
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – November
- Aquatic Experience – November
If you’re a proud citizen of Illinois and want to show your support to your city and country during national holidays and state celebrations then fly a flag in your home. The American flag symbolizes love and respect for our nation and flying one in your home has more impact than you think.
Do you own a flag or are you looking for one? Not satisfied with the last flag you bought? Reach out to us! Our flags are the best you’ll find online. Our flags are made from high quality materials and is Proudly US Made! An authentication tag is carefully sewn into the label so show that all materials and construction are made in American soil.
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1204,https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q752837,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_and_seal_of_Illinois : IL-FLAG-3×5 : 820103253119
#1) Current Design Adopted in 1969
The current design for the Illinois flag was officially adopted on Sept. 17, 1969. Prior to this period, the Illinois flag only featured the state’s seal against a white background. The new design adopted in 1969 retained the state’s seal but added the word “Illinois” below it. Since then, the Illinois flag has remained unchanged. It still features the sate design consisting of a seal, a white background and the word “Illinois” that was adopted in 1969.
#2) The Designer Won $25
The Illinois flag was designed by Lucy Derwent, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1913, Derwent participated in a contest to create an official flag for the state of Illinois. There were 35 proposed designs submitted as part of the contest. Derwent was declared the winner, and she earned $25 for her design.
#3) Features Year of Statehood and Year of Seal Redesign
When viewing the Illinois flag, you may notice that it features the years 1818 and 1868. What do these years represent exactly? 1818 is the year in which Illinois became a state, whereas 1868 was the year in which the Great Seal of Illinois was redesigned. The Illinois flag, of course, features the state’s seal. Therefore, it includes the year 1868 to symbolize when the state’s seal was redesigned, and it includes the year 1818 to symbolize Illinois’ statehood.
#4) Features a Bald Eagle
At the forefront of the Illinois flag is a bald eagle. The state’s seal depicts a bald eagle standing on a shield. This image symbolizes the United States. Directly below the bald eagle and shield is the motto: “State Sovereignty, National Union.” The Illinois flag is one of eight state flags to depict a bald eagle. Other flags that feature a bald eagle include Iowa, Michigan, New York, North Dakota, Utah and Pennsylvania.
#5) The Colors Are Symbolic
The Illinois flag has symbolic colors. The white field represents purity, whereas the flag’s blue letters and eagle represent loyalty and vigilance. It’s a simple design with rich history and symbolism.
- Who designed the Illinois state flag and when was it adopted?
- What is the design on the Illinois state flag and what does it represent?
- How are you supposed to fly the Illinois flag with your American flag?
- Where can you buy a Illinois flag?
Who designed the Illinois state flag and when was it adopted?
The state flag of Illinois was designed by Miss Lucy Derwent, and was adopted on July 6, 1915. A bill to amend the original flag act of 1915 was passed and Mrs. Sanford Hutchinson re-designed the state flag by adding the state name and this new flag became the official state flag of Illinois on July 1, 1970. The design on the flag is from the State Seal of Illinois which was designed by Sharon Tyndale in 1868.
What is the design on the Illinois state flag and what does it represent?
The design on the state flag of Illinois is the State Seal placed centrally on a field of white. Below the seal is the state name, “Illinois”. The seal features a bald eagle, wings spread perched on a boulder. In its talons it holds a shield containing thirteen stars and thirteen stripes, that rests on an olive branch, and in its beak it holds a banner with the state motto: “STATE SOVEREIGNTY – NATIONAL UNION”. The dates 1818 and 1868 are on the boulder with a stretch of land with water and the rising sun in the background. Although “State Sovereignty” comes first in the motto, since Illinois was victorious in the American Civil War on the Union side fighting against state sovereignty, “State” was placed at the bottom and “Sovereignty” was flipped upside-down. The bald eagle represents American and its strength, and with its wings spread, it represents protection. The thirteen stars and stripes symbolize the original 13 colonies that were united to form the United States. The olive branch represents peace. The dates 1818 and 1868 represent the year of statehood of Illinois, and the year the current seal was adopted, respectfully.
How are you supposed to fly the Illinois flag with your American flag?
When flying the Illinois and American flag on the same pole, the flag of the United States must always be at the top and the Illinois flag should be the same size or smaller. When It is flown on separate poles, the Illinois will be to the right of the flag of the United States situating the U.S. flag in the position of honor, which is to the observer’s left of the other flags.
Where can I buy an Illinois flag?
Star Spangled Flag sells the best Illinois flag that is 100% made in the USA! You can order yours by clicking here. They use a tough material and add UV protection which adds to the longevity of the flag. They also use superior stitching that helps to prevent fraying and unraveling. A big plus is that they provide free shipping!
