City of Chicago Flag Related Products
The History of the City of Chicago Flag
The Chicago flag, designed by Wallace Rice and adopted in 1917, is a celebrated symbol of the city’s rich heritage and resilience. Its design is simple yet profoundly meaningful:
The Stripes: Two light blue horizontal stripes symbolize the city’s waterways. The top stripe represents Lake Michigan and the North Branch of the Chicago River, while the bottom stripe represents the South Branch and the Great Canal. The three white sections in between represent Chicago’s North, West, and South Sides.
The Stars: Four red six-pointed stars, each rich in symbolism, run horizontally along the flag:
- The Great Chicago Fire (1871): Commemorating the city’s recovery, its six points represent transportation, labor, commerce, finance, populousness, and health.
- The World’s Columbian Exposition (1893): Celebrating Chicago’s cultural significance, its points stand for religion, education, aesthetics, justice, beneficence, and civic pride.
- The Century of Progress Exposition (1933–34): Honoring Chicago’s innovation and industry, with points symbolizing the city’s mottoes and achievements.
- Fort Dearborn (1939): A tribute to Chicago’s foundation, with six points representing the flags that have flown over the region, from France to the United States.
This iconic flag remains a proud representation of Chicago’s identity, celebrated for its beauty and rich historical significance. Whether flying on city streets or displayed in homes, it is a timeless emblem of Chicago’s enduring spirit.