Washington flag

Like the country’s 49 other states, Washington has an official flag. Known as the Washington state flag, it depicts George Washington against a green background. It’s the only state flag featuring an American president, and it’s the only state flag with a green field. Aside from being unique, however, there’s a rich story behind the Washington state flag that many people don’t know.

Origins of the Washington State Flag

The Washington state flag was adopted in 1923. During this year, lawmakers in The Evergreen State passed a law declaring the aforementioned design as the state’s official flag. Why did the lawmakers choose this design exactly?

In 1914, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Washington requested a flag to be sent to Washington D.C. There was no official Washington state flag at the time, so they decided to design their own flag. Using the Seal of Washington against a green background, they created the modern-day Washington state flag. It cost approximately $48 to produce the first official Washington state flag. After being manufactured in Washington D.C., it was sent back to the DAR’s chapter in Washington.

Here are some fun facts about the Washington state flag:

• It uses “Irish Green” as the background or field color.
• While optional, the Washington state flag can be designed with gold fringe.
• It’s the only state flag depicting a president.
• Like the Seal of Washington, it features the phrase “Seal of the State of Washington” around an image of the country’s first president.
• The seal was modernized in the mid- to late 1960s with an updated design.

Displayed With the American Flag

You’ll typically see the Washington state flag displayed with the American flag. According to the Washington State Legislation website, state law requires both flags to be prominently displayed in schools, courtrooms and government buildings. When displayed on the same pole, the American flag should be flown above the Washington state flag. When displayed on separate poles, the American flag should be placed on the left pole (from the observer’s perspective), whereas the Washington state flag should be placed on the right pole.

Featuring George Washington against a green background, the state of Washington has one of the most recognizable flags in the United States. It was designed by members of the DAR in 1914. When they discovered that the state of Washington didn’t have an official flag, they created their own. Lawmakers later adopted the DAR’s design as the official flag for the state of Washington.

It’s no secret that all 50 states in the United States have an official flag. But did you know that Washington, D.C. has an official flag as well? As shown in the photo above, it depicts three red stars, followed by two red stripes against a white background. It’s a simple yet attractive design that’s become synonymous with our nation’s capital.

#1) Adopted in 1938

The flag of Washington, D.C. was adopted in 1938. Prior to this period, there was no official flag for Washington, D.C. This prompted the Commission of Fine Arts and Act of Congress to form a committee to come up with a desk for an official Washington, D.C. flag. The committee ultimately selected the aforementioned design. You can now find the Washington, D.C. flag displayed in front of countless businesses, government buildings and residences throughout the capital.

#2) Based on a Coat of Arms

Like many state flags, the Washington, D.C. flag is based on a coat of arms. It features the coat of arms used by Lawrence Washington. Lawrence Washington was the great, great, great grandfather of George Washington. The coat of arms depicted in the Washington, D.C. flag was used by Lawrence Washington at his home.

#3) Designed By Charles Dunn

The person responsible for designing the Washington, D.C. flag was American artist Charles Dunn. During the 1920s, Dunn worked for the Chamber of Commerce. Dunn later submitted a design for the Washington, D.C. flag. Dunn’s design, of course, was based on Washington’s coat of arms.

Washington’s coat of arms consisted of three stars with two red stripes against a white background; the only real difference was the shape. Washington’s coat of arms was shaped like a crest or shield, whereas Dunn’s flag design was shaped like a rectangular banner.

#4) Adopted in Many Business and Organization Logos

The Washington, D.C. flag has since been adopted in many business and organization logos. When driving through our nation’s capital, you may notice logos featuring it. Businesses and organizations that operate in Washington, D.C. often have a logo that depicts the Washington, D.C. flag. There are even sports teams that feature the Washington, D.C. flag in their logos. Some of these sports teams include the Washington Capitals, the Washing Wizards, the DC Defenders and the Old Glory DC.

#5) Ranked as the 8th Most Popular Flag in North America

According to a survey conducted by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), the Washington, D.C. flag is the eighth-most popular flag in North America. NAVA also found that the Washington, D.C. flag was the single best design among a total of 150 cities in the United States. Coming in second was the flag of Chicago. Chicago, of course, has its own flag as well. While the Washington, D.C. flag was the highest ranked, Chicago’s flag came in a close second place.

• Who designed the Washington flag?
• What does the Washington state flag represent and how is it unique?
• Where can you buy a Washington state flag?
• How am I supposed to fly my Washington state flag with my American flag?

Who designed the Washington flag?

The Washington flag was designed in 1923 by the Washington branch of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The emblem on Washington’s state flag is the Seal of the State of Washington. The Seal was first designed by in 1889 by Charles Talcott based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart . The flag was standardized in 1967 when a law was passed that the Seal must appear correctly on both sides of the flag, although most flags are still made single-sided.

What does the Washington state flag represent and how is it unique?

The Washington state flag is unique in two ways: it is the only flag of the states that has a green field, and it is the only state flag containing the image of an American president. The green field represents Washington as it is known as the “Evergreen State”. It is a shade of green that is generally associated with lush vegetation, that characterizes the state. The 1899 on the Seal is the date that Washington joined the Union, and the image of George Washington on the Seal, pay tribute to the namesake of the state and celebrates his historic role as the first president of the United States.

Where can I buy a Washington state flag?

Star Spangled Flag sells a beautiful Washington state flag that is 100% made by materials made in the USA! You can see it 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!

How am I supposed to fly my Washington state flag with my American flag?

When flying the Washington and American flag on the same pole, the flag of the United States must always be at the top and the Washington flag should be the same size or smaller. When It is flown on separate poles, the Washington flag 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.