The United States is made up of 50 states and every single one of those states has a designated state flag. They all have unique designs that help tell a little bit of each state's personal story. What makes Iowa's state flag pretty unique is that it hasn't been around for very long. According to US Flag Supply, Iowa's legislature did not adopt a state flag until 1921.

Iowa became a territory in the year 1838 and was admitted as the 29th state in 1846. That means it was 75 years before Iowa adopted its first state flag. This wasn't completely uncommon but still, pretty interesting in my opinion.

The Iowa state flag was originally designed in 1917 by a member of Iowa's Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which was then presented to the state. After being adopted in 1921 it was to be used on all occasions where a state flag would be fitting to be displayed.

What Do The Colors Represent?

According to 50 States, Mrs. Dixie Cornell Gebhardt was the woman who originally created Iowa's flag which consists of three vertical stripes. The blue, white, and red colors are a reference to Iowa's connection with France. Did you know that each of the colors has additional meanings other than the connection with France?

According to US Flag Supply, Mrs. Dixie Cornell Gebhardt explained that the blue color is to stand for loyalty, justice, and truth. The white color stands for purity. The red color stands for courage.

According to US Flags, Gebhardt had a reason for keeping the design fairly simple. She said she "hoped it could maintain a design so simple that school children and adults can recognize its symbolism."

Did You Know?

According to 50 States, "All schools must fly the state banner on school days. The banner may be flown on the sites of public buildings. When displayed with the United States flag, the Iowa state banner must be flown below the national emblem."

Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain - Iowa