It may not be an official state, but Washington, D.C. has its own flag. As shown in the adjacent photo, it features three red stars at the top and two horizontal bars at the bottom, all of which are placed on a white background. When driving through the country’s capital, you’ll probably see it. Many homeowners, business owners and government officials display the Washington, D.C. flag. To learn more about the Washington, D.C. flag, keep reading.
History of the Washington, D.C. Flag
The Washington, D.C. flag has origins dating back to the early 1900s. In 1924, the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) petitioned Congress to adopt a flag for Washington, D.C. The bill was introduced by Chairman Reed. Initially, the proposed design consisted of the shield of the coat of arms with a red background and a blue cross. Congress, however, rejected the proposal. Of course, that didn’t stop the D.A.R. from seeking a flag for the country’s capital. For well over a decade, they continued to campaign for Congress for a Washington, D.C. flag.
On Oct. 15, 1938, the D.A.R were successful in their efforts. Congress adopted the Washington, D.C. flag on this date. The design was selected by Congress with the assistance of the Commission of Fine Arts. They didn’t choose the design initially proposed by the D.A.R. Rather, Congress and the Commission of Fine Arts selected an alternative design for the Washington, D.C. flag, which consisted of three red stars at the top and two horizontal bars at the bottom on a white background.
Facts About the Washington, D.C. Flag
You might be surprised to learn that the Washington, D.C. flag is connected to George Washington’s great-great-great-grandfather. The double-striped banner included in the flag’s original design was based on the coat of arms given to Lawrence Washington. George Washington kept this coat of arms, which he displayed in his Mount Vernon home. For the Washington, D.C. flag, the coat of arms is included as a double-striped banner.
Like with many U.S. state flags, it’s unknown who was responsible for designing the current version of the Washington, D.C. flag. Congress and the Commission of Fine Arts selected the design, but the creator of this design remains unknown. The most plausible theory is that it was designed by Charless Dunn. Dunn was an artist who worked for the Chamber of Commerce during the early 1900s. Some reports indicate that he was responsible for designing the Washington, D.C. flag.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan