Every state has a unique story behind how it became part of the United States. When you fly your state flag, you display pride in your home’s history, culture, and identity.
For Illinois, the story of statehood began in 1818—but the story of its flag came nearly a century later. Learn more about how this proud symbol came to be with this overview of the history behind the Illinois state flag.
The Push for a State Flag
Illinois went nearly 100 years without an official state flag. In 1912—six years before the state’s centennial—Ella Park Lawrence, the state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), began advocating for an official design. She organized a statewide flag design contest among the Illinois DAR chapters.
While designer Wallace Rice submitted his own proposal, the state legislature ultimately chose a different design by Lucy Derwent, the contest’s winner. Derwent’s flag became the official Illinois state flag in 1915.
Initial Illinois Flag Design
Derwent’s original flag featured a white background displaying elements of the state seal. At its center stood an eagle perched on a rock, holding a shield adorned with the national Stars and Stripes. The eagle’s beak held a ribbon bearing the state motto, “State Sovereignty, National Union.” Notably, some elements from the full state seal—such as the sun and water in the background—were omitted from the first version of the flag.
Redesign in the 1960s
The story of the Illinois flag continued decades later. During the 1960s, criticism arose that the flag was too similar to those of other states and difficult to identify when flown alongside them. Chief Petty Officer Bruce McDaniel, serving in Vietnam, noticed that many of his fellow service members couldn’t recognize the Illinois flag. He petitioned for the addition of the state’s name to the design.
In 1969, Governor Richard Ogilvie approved legislation allowing the redesign. Florence Hutchison created the new version, adding the sun and water from the state seal and specifying the exact colors of its elements. The words “Illinois” and the dates 1818 and 1868 were also added to commemorate statehood and the adoption of the seal.
Flying the Illinois Flag Today
Flying the Illinois state flag beneath the American flag is a proud way to honor both national and state heritage. Whether for homes, schools, or businesses, the flag represents the people and history of Illinois.
Show your state pride with high-quality Illinois state flags from Flags USA. Every flag, pole, and accessory we sell is made right here in the United States with care, craftsmanship, and integrity. Visit Flags USA today to find the perfect way to display your state and national pride.