Illinois State Flag

What Is the Illinois State Flag?

The Illinois state flag is the official banner representing Illinois. A white field covers the entire flag. The state seal appears in full color at the center.

Below the seal, the word Illinois appears in blue. The seal shows a bald eagle perched on a rock with wings uplifted, holding a shield in its talons and a banner in its beak.

Meaning of the Illinois State Flag

The Illinois state flag represents liberty and strength through the bald eagle. The seal depicts Illinois as part of the Union while maintaining state sovereignty. The design reflects the balance between state and federal power.

The eagle holds a banner reading State Sovereignty, National Union. This motto reflects the relationship between Illinois and the federal government. Secretary of State Sharon Tyndale twisted the banner so the word Sovereignty appears upside down, making it less readable than National Union.

History of the Illinois State Flag

Illinois became the 21st state on December 3, 1818. The first Great Seal was adopted in 1819 and essentially copied the Great Seal of the United States. This seal was recut in 1839, becoming the Second Great Seal.

Illinois Secretary of State Sharon Tyndale spearheaded the drive to create a third state seal. In 1867, he asked State Senator Allen C. Fuller to introduce legislation requiring a new seal. Tyndale suggested reversing the motto from State Sovereignty, National Union to National Union, State Sovereignty. The legislature kept the original wording. Tyndale designed the new seal anyway, twisting the banner so Sovereignty appears upside down. The seal was officially adopted in 1868.

Ella Park Lawrence began a campaign to adopt a state flag in 1912 during her time as state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On April 1, 1914, she announced a contest to design an Illinois state flag. Thirty-five designs were submitted. Lucy Derwent's design won. The flag became official on July 6, 1915.

In the 1960s, Chief Petty Officer Bruce McDaniel petitioned to have the state name added to the flag. He noted that many people he served with during the Vietnam War did not recognize the banner. Governor Richard B. Ogilvie signed the addition into law on September 17, 1969. The new flag, designed by Sanford Hutchinson, became official on July 1, 1970.

Symbols of the Illinois State Flag

Illinois State Flag Eagle

A bald eagle perches on a rock with wings uplifted. The eagle holds a shield in its talons and a banner in its beak. The eagle represents liberty through strength and peace.

The shield shows thirteen stars and thirteen stripes representing the original thirteen states. The bald eagle appears on several U.S. state flags and seals.

Illinois State Flag Motto

The eagle holds a banner reading State Sovereignty, National Union in its beak. This motto reflects the balance between state and federal power.

Sharon Tyndale twisted the banner when designing the 1868 seal. The word Sovereignty appears upside down, making it less readable. Tyndale wanted to emphasize National Union over State Sovereignty.

Illinois State Flag Dates

Two dates appear on the seal. The date 1818 marks the year Illinois became a state. The date 1868 marks the year the current seal was adopted.

The date August 26, 1818, when Illinois's first constitution was adopted in Kaskaskia, appears along the bottom arc of the circle on the seal.

Illinois State Flag Sun and Water

A sunrise appears over water in the background. The water represents the Illinois River. The sun represents natural beauty and a bright future.

The prairie grass and landscape elements show Illinois's agricultural heritage and natural resources.

Illinois State Flag Colors

The Illinois state flag uses white as the primary field color. The state seal adds red, white, and blue matching the U.S. national flag, plus supporting colors. Illinois Executive Order 1970-2 outlines official color values with Cable and Pantone specifications.

Illinois State Flag Facts

• Illinois adopted its flag on July 6, 1915
• Lucy Derwent designed the original flag after winning a DAR contest
• The word Illinois was added to the flag on July 1, 1970
• Bruce McDaniel petitioned to add the state name after Vietnam War service
• The motto Sovereignty appears upside down on the seal
• The flag ranked 49th out of 72 in a 2001 NAVA survey