Ohio Flag History

Adopted: May 9, 1902

Ohio Flag Design: Guidon consists of 5 horizontal stripes alternating between red and white. The chevron is azure containing a white and red "O" and 17 white stars.

Designed by John Eisenmann

Ohio is the only state to have a swallow-tailed burgee, unlike the regular rectangular shape.

The first flying of the Ohio flag was in Buffalo, New York, at the Pan-American Exposition. It was at this exposition that President William McKinley, one of many Ohio-born United States Presidents, was assassinated. It took Ohio almost 100 years to come up with its own Ohio state flag.

The Ohio flag was adopted by an act of the Ohio Legislature on May 9, 1902. The Ohio burgee, as the swallow-tailed design is properly called, was drawn by John Eisenmann, architect and designer for the Ohio State Pan-American Exposition Commission.

The Ohio flag has three red and two white horizontal stripes. At its staff end is a blue triangular field with the apex at the center of the middle red stripe. There is 17 white, five-pointed stars grouped around a red disc superimposed upon a white circular O.

Mr. Eisenmann explained the Ohio flag’s symbolism most aptly:

"The triangles formed by the main lines of the flag represent the hills and valleys as typified in the State Seal, and the stripes the roads and waterways.

The stars, indicating the 13 original states of the Union, are grouped about the circle, which represents the Northwest Territory; and that Ohio was the seventeenth state admitted into the Union is shown by adding four more stars.

The white circle with its red center, not only represents the initial letter of Ohio but is suggestive of its being the Buckeye State."

Above is a copy of John Eisenmann’s original design for the Ohio State Flag.

Ohio Flag Salute

In 2002, the Ohio General Assembly commemorated the 100th anniversary of the state flag's adoption by adopting a salute to the flag, to be recited after the Pledge of Allegiance:

I salute the flag of the state of Ohio and pledge to the Buckeye State respect and loyalty.
    — Ohio Rev. Code §5.013. "Pledge to the state flag".

Folding the Ohio flag

The Ohio flag is officially folded in 17 steps.

A method of folding the flag of Ohio was created by Alex Weinstock, a Boy Scout from Junction City,[5] for his Eagle Scout service project. It requires two people. The procedure was passed by the 125th Ohio General Assembly as House Bill 552 and signed into law by Governor Bob Taft on February 15, 2005.

The general assembly hereby establishes a recommended procedure for the folding of the state flag by two people. The procedure is as follows:

With the flag unfolded, fold the flag in half lengthwise so that the points of the flag are aligned. Fold the flag in half lengthwise a second time to form a long strip with the red disc facing the ground. Next, fold the pointed end back onto itself to form a rectangle. These steps entail three folds.

Starting on the end formed by the fold of the pointed end back onto itself, fold two inches of the flag onto itself for a flag with a three-foot hoist and a five-foot fly, or another appropriate width of fold for a flag of a different size. Repeat the folds a total of fourteen times, alternating the folds in a fan-like manner.

The result is a total of seventeen folds symbolizing that Ohio was the seventeenth state admitted to the Union. Finally, neatly and snugly wrap the remaining length of the flag around the fan-folds to form a compact rectangle.
    — Ohio Rev. Code §5.014. "Procedure for folding Ohio state flag".

Folding the Ohio Flag Instructions Image

 
NOT ALL OHIO STATE FLAGS ARE THE SAME!
HERE'S WHY...

Extra care is taken in making these flags. Flag designs are researched to ensure that they are authentic and current. We use sturdy fabrics, allowing the flags to be flown outdoors, indoors, or carried in parades.

Constructed with 100% Heavy Duty Nylon (digital dyed) ★ Beautiful, brilliant colors ★ Resistant to wear and tear of sun & rain ★ Complete with heavy canvas heading & brass grommets to meet the most demanding commercial and residential uses.

• All outdoor flags are finished with heavy-duty thread, polyester heading, brass grommets, and four needle fly hem
• State flags constructed to precise specifications
• Flies in the slightest breeze
• Proudly Made in the USA
• Beautiful Presentation - This Ohio Flag makes an excellent gift for friends, parents, or to PROUDLY display on your HOME or OFFICE.

 
HEAVY-DUTY NYLON OUTDOOR STATE FLAGS WITH SOLAR SHIELD

Our most popular and versatile outdoor Ohio flag, USA Flag Co. flags offer the optimum combination of elegance and durability for every purpose. The 100% nylon material provides a rich, lustrous appearance. Our flags have superb wearing strength due to the material’s superior strength-to-weight ratio and will fly in the slightest breeze. State flags are finished with strong, polyester canvas headings and spurred brass grommets, and four needle fly hem. The result is a flag that will be flown with pride year after year.

SOLAR SHIELD

• Rich, Vivid Colors
• Durable
• Fire-Resistant
• Mothproof
• Mildew Resistant
• Sheds Water
• Lightweight for Flyability

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