Flag of Indiana (US state)

The flag of the state of Indiana, officially adopted on May 31, 1917, is a design of elegant simplicity and profound meaning. Known for its striking blue and gold color scheme, the flag is not just a state emblem, but a visual narrative that celebrates Indiana’s place in the nation’s history and its core values of enlightenment and liberty. The design was born from a contest to commemorate the state’s centennial, making it a proud symbol of a century of progress and heritage.

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Colors

The Indiana flag is distinguished by its clean lines and rich, symbolic elements centered on a single color field.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag's field is a solid, deep navy blue. All central emblems are rendered in gold or a rich yellow-gold, creating a powerful contrast that makes the design stand out.

• The Central Torch: At the heart of the flag is a prominent torch. This torch is a classic symbol of liberty and enlightenment. The flames represent the spread of knowledge, and the rays of light emanating from the torch symbolize the far-reaching influence of the state’s ideals and progress.

• The Stars: Surrounding the torch are a total of 19 stars. This number is historically significant, as Indiana was the 19th state to be admitted to the Union. The stars are arranged in a specific pattern:

  • Outer Ring: A circle of 13 stars represents the original 13 American colonies.

  • Inner Ring: An inner half-circle of 5 stars represents the states admitted after the original colonies but before Indiana.

  • The Largest Star: A single, largest star is positioned directly above the flame of the torch, representing Indiana itself, proudly taking its place as the 19th state.

• The "INDIANA" Text: Just above the torch, the name "INDIANA" is written in an arc, clearly identifying the state and tying all the symbolic elements together.

• Dimensions: The official law specifies that the flag should be a specific ratio, typically produced as 2:3 or 3:5.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The story of the Indiana flag is a testament to community pride and a desire to create a lasting symbol.

• The Centennial Contest (1916): In 1916, to celebrate the state’s 100th anniversary of statehood, the Indiana chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) sponsored a statewide contest to design a flag. More than 200 entries were submitted.

• The Winning Designer: The winning design was created by Paul Hadley, an artist and designer from Mooresville, Indiana. His elegant and symbolic design earned him a prize of $100.

• Official Adoption (1917): The Indiana General Assembly formally adopted Hadley's design as the official state flag on May 31, 1917.

• Standardization of Colors (1955): Although the design was adopted in 1917, the exact colors were not officially defined until a subsequent law in 1955 standardized the colors as gold and blue, ensuring consistency in all official flags.

Historical Context and the State of Indiana

The Indiana flag is a timeless representation of the state's identity within the American narrative. Its symbolism of a torch and rays of light reflects Indiana’s reputation as "The Crossroads of America," a central hub of transportation and ideas that has influenced national development. The carefully arranged stars provide a mini-history lesson, showing how Indiana is part of a larger story of American expansion and nation-building. The flag encapsulates the values of a heartland state that prides itself on both its heritage and its forward-looking progress.

Significance for Residents

For the people of Indiana, the flag is a powerful and unifying symbol. The torch represents the freedom and educational opportunities that are highly valued in the state. The stars tell a story of belonging and pride in being the 19th state to join the Union. It reminds residents of their state’s enduring heritage and its role in the American story. The flag is a source of civic pride, representing a community that values liberty, knowledge, and its place as a crucial part of the nation.

Interesting Facts

• The flag was originally named the "Indiana Centennial Flag" when it was created for the state's 100th birthday in 1916.

• The designer, Paul Hadley, was an accomplished artist known for his work in painting and ceramics.

• Indiana's flag is one of only a handful of state flags that feature a specific number of stars to represent its order of admission to the Union.

• The design is often considered one of the more aesthetically pleasing and historically rich of the "seal on a blue bedsheet" style flags, due to its unique star arrangement and central torch motif.

• The Daughters of the American Revolution's contest required the design to be "distinctive and of a patriotic nature." Hadley's design perfectly fulfilled both criteria.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.