Flags come in all shapes and sizes, from simple rectangular banners to more intricate designs. While most U.S. state flags have a standard rectangular shape, a few states buck this trend with unique, non-rectangular flags.
State flags are symbols of history, identity, and pride for the 50 states. Many feature colors, seals, mottos, and other iconography with deep meaning. The designs showcase what makes each state special. Most U.S. state flags follow the familiar rectangular pattern seen around the world. A few outliers, however, veer from tradition with distinctive shapes.
So which U.S. state doesn’t have a rectangular flag? The answer is Ohio. The official flag of Ohio is the only non-rectangular state flag. It features a pennant shape, with a triangular section on the left side. Other states may have pennants as part of their flag designs, but Ohio is the only one with an entirely pennant-shaped flag.
The History of the Ohio Flag
Ohio adopted its distinctive pennant flag on May 9, 1902. For the previous 100 years, Ohio did not have an official state flag. The lack of a state flag became an issue when Ohio troops went to fight in the Spanish-American War in 1898. Unlike soldiers from other states, Ohio troops carried only the U.S. national flag. This led to efforts to create an official state flag.
A convention was held in 1901 to choose Ohio’s first state flag. Over 150 designs were submitted, but none were selected. Attorney General John M. Sheets then proposed a triangular pennant design. It featured the Ohio state seal on a blue triangle, with five alternating red and white stripes. On May 9, 1902, the Ohio General Assembly adopted this design as the official state flag.
The Ohio flag’s pennant shape makes it instantly recognizable. It also reflects the state’s history. In the early 19th century, infantry units carried pennants to identify themselves on the battlefield. The pennant shape was meant to honor Ohio’s infantry regiments and military heritage.
Symbolism of the Ohio Flag
Every element of the Ohio flag carries meaning:
- The triangular shape represents Ohio’s hills and valleys.
- The five stripes stand for Ohio being the fifth state admitted to the Union after the original 13 colonies.
- The 13 stars on the blue triangle symbolize the original colonies.
- The white circle represents Ohio’s Northwest Territory, which gave birth to the state.
- The red disc denotes Ohio’s cardinal direction as a gateway to the West.
Together, these components encapsulate Ohio’s unique history and landscapes.
Other Non-Rectangular U.S. State Flags
While Ohio stands alone in having a pennant flag, a few other states have non-rectangular flags:
Alaska
The Alaska flag, adopted in 1959, features eight gold stars forming the Big Dipper and North Star on a dark blue field. The Big Dipper is depicted as it appears in the Alaska sky, with the North Star tilted as compared to its position over the lower 48 states. This causes the Alaska flag to have an unusual, elongated shape compared to a standard rectangle.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s state flag consists of the Hawaiian Islands’ coat of arms on a light blue background. It was adopted in 1845. The flag’s length is 1.5 times its width, giving it an elongated, rectangular shape that is longer than usual.
Florida
Florida’s state flag, adopted in 1900, incorporates a red X shape that extends across the length of the banner. While the flag overall is a rectangle, the unique X makes it stand out from typical rectangular state flags.
| State | Flag Shape |
|---|---|
| Ohio | Pennant |
| Alaska | Elongated rectangle |
| Hawaii | Elongated rectangle |
| Florida | Rectangle with X shape |
Why Did Ohio Choose a Pennant Flag?
Ohio chose a pennant design to stand out and honor the state’s military history. But other factors also helped popularize the pennant style in Ohio:
Nautical Influence
Ohio is bounded by Lake Erie to the north. With this major waterway, sailing and boating played a key role in the state’s early transportation and commerce. Triangular pennants were commonly flown on 19th century Navy vessels on the Great Lakes. This made the pennant shape familiar in Ohio.
Baseball Pennants
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, triangular pennants became popular souvenirs and memorabilia associated with sports, especially baseball. Ohio’s strong baseball fan culture may have helped popularize pennants in the state.
The Columbian Exposition
The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, also known as the Columbian Exposition, prominently featured triangular pennants on flags and buildings. Ohio officials who attended the massive event may have been inspired by the pennants and adopted the style for the state flag.
The pennant flag shape suited Ohio’s heritage and interests in the early 1900s. The one-of-a-kind design still represents Ohio today.
How Ohio’s Flag Changed Over Time
While Ohio was the first to adopt a pennant state flag, it hasn’t always had that style. The evolution of Ohio’s state flags includes:
1875: The Early Ohio Flag
Before the state adopted an official flag, many Ohio regiments carried a military banner with the state coat of arms and the words “Ohio” and “Imperium in Imperio” (An empire within an empire). However, this was never officially the state flag.
Early 1900s: Transition to Pennant Style
After the pennant design was adopted in 1902, plain triangular flags were initially produced. The first pennant flag with the full coat of arms appeared in 1905.
1932: Simplified Design
In 1932, the flag was updated with a simpler version of the coat of arms. This design reduced detail and made the flag easier to manufacture.
1996: Return to Original Design
In 1996, Ohio passed legislation reinstating the original 1902 coat of arms design. This more detailed and symbolic version is still used today.
While refinements have been made, Ohio has flown a distinctive pennant flag for over 100 years.
How Ohio’s Flag Compares to Other State Flags
Ohio’s pennant flag stands out among other state flags in several ways:
Shape
The pennant shape is unique among U.S. states. Only Ohio features a pennant as its state flag.
Coat of Arms
Ohio is one of only 15 states with a coat of arms on its flag. The detailed emblem reflects Ohio’s identity and history.
Striped Field
Just seven state flags have striped backgrounds. Ohio’s red and white stripes are distinctive and symbolic.
Lack of State Name
Ohio’s flag does not feature the state’s name, unlike 37 other state flags. Ohio is readily identified by the flag’s one-of-a-kind shape.
These design elements make Ohio stand out from other flags and give it a highly memorable and recognizable style.
Conclusion
Ohio has the only pennant-shaped state flag, making it unique among the U.S. states’ banners. The pennant design was adopted in 1902 to honor Ohio’s military history. Other aspects of Ohio culture and identity helped popularize the pennant style. While the flag has evolved over the years, Ohio has proudly flown a distinctive pennant flag design for over a century.
Ohio’s pennant flag immediately sets it apart. The triangular shape, coat of arms, red and white stripes, and lack of state name reflect Ohio’s heritage and spirit. No other state flag shares the memorable pennant style that represents Ohio.