Iowa State Flag

Meaning of the Flag

The tricolor design of Iowa’s state flag is a tribute to the state’s history as part of the French Louisiana Territory. The national bird, the bald eagle, is found on the flag and is a symbol of freedom in the U.S. The bird is holding a long ribbon that reads, “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” This wording is taken from the official Seal of Iowa. Below the eagle and the ribbon, the state’s name is written.

Colors of the Flag

The primary colors of Iowa’s flag are red, white and blue. The background is a vertical tricolor of blue, white and red. The bald eagle located in the white band is brown, white and gold. The eagle holds a blue ribbon in its mouth, and the text on the ribbon is white. The word “Iowa” is written below in red type.

History of the Flag

Iowa’s state flag was designed in 1917 by Dixie Cornell Gebhardt of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The design was first approved in May of the same year. However, it was not adopted until 1921. At the time of its adoption, the state was already almost 75 years old. Prior to this, it was thought that a state flag was not needed because the national flag was sufficient.

Flag Facts

The state flag of Iowa was ranked as 42nd in terms of design quality out of 72 state and provincial flags in the United States and Canada.

flag
Colors
Red, White, Blue, Brown
Adopted
3/12/1921
Designed by
Dixie Cornell Gebhardt

Design

Three vertical stripes of blue, white, and red, and a golden eagle carrying a banner that reads "Our Liberties We Prize, and Our Rights We will Maintain

Iowa State Flag

Iowa Flag

Iowa Flag SVG

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