Iowa Flag History: Meaning, Design, and the Best Materials for Everyday Display
A tricolor banner rises above the prairie, an eagle spreads its wings, and a ribbon carries a bold promise: “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” If you have ever wondered why Iowa’s flag looks part French, part American, and all heartland, you are in the right place. This is the story of how a simple design became a symbol of service, identity, and home. It is also a practical guide to flying the Hawkeye State colors year round with the right material choice for Iowa weather, including a clear look at Iowa nylon flags and Iowa polyester flags for outdoor and indoor displays.
Browse the full Iowa State Flags Collection.
A Moment on a Train Platform: One Story That Changed the Flag
Picture the spring of 1917. A train platform in Iowa is crowded with families, pastors, and neighbors. Young soldiers in new uniforms lean from open windows while a brass band warms up. The country has entered the First World War and Iowa’s National Guard units are about to leave for training camps far from home. Blue coats and khaki blend into a sea of American flags. Pride is high, but something is missing. The soldiers carry Old Glory, yet there is no standard that says Iowa.
In that gap, a member of the Iowa Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Dixie Cornell Gebhardt of Knoxville, sketches a flag that can stand with the Stars and Stripes without ever overshadowing it. Her design uses a vertical blue white red tricolor that nods to the state’s French colonial roots. In the white center she places a bald eagle that echoes the national seal. Across the eagle’s beak she writes a motto that every Iowa child soon learns by heart. Beneath it, in red letters, one simple word says home: IOWA.
The flag travels with Iowa units through camp and abroad. When the war ends, the design has already earned loyalty through service and memory. In 1921, the Iowa Legislature adopts it as the official state flag.
What the Iowa Flag Looks Like and Why It Matters
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Tricolor field: Blue, white, and red in vertical bands. This references the French
tricolor and the French presence in the Mississippi River valley that shaped early Iowa history.
- The eagle: Centered on the white band and adapted from the Great Seal of the United States, signaling the bond between state and nation.
- The ribbon and motto: “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” A statement of civic character that reaches beyond any one generation.
- Red “IOWA”: The state name anchors the design and prevents confusion with other eagle bearing flags.
The composition works because it balances local identity with national symbolism. The tricolor shows the place and its past. The eagle shows the pledge to the Union. The motto speaks to the values that tie both together.
Where the Design Came From and How It Took Root
- Who: Dixie Cornell Gebhardt designed the flag in 1917 and presented it through the DAR as a standard for Iowa troops.
- Where: Proposed in Knoxville, then carried to camps and parades across the state.
- How: Iowa regiments and Guard units displayed the banner beside the U.S. flag. Communities sewed local copies for rallies and homecomings.
- Why: Troops sought an emblem that said “Iowa” without competing with national colors. The tricolor solution was tasteful, meaningful, and quick to sew.
- When: Official adoption in 1921 after widespread use during and after World War I.
A Quick Primer on Symbolism
- Blue band: Loyalty, justice, and the Mississippi sky.
- White band: Integrity, peace, and clarity.
- Red band: Courage, sacrifice, and the blood price of liberty.
- Eagle: Federal union and the protection of rights.
- Motto: A promise to defend freedom in word and deed.
For a classroom or community program, invite students to point to each element and say what it represents. Few lessons stick better than those learned with eyes and hands.
One Big Question To Consider
When someone new walks into your school, shop, or city hall and sees the Iowa flag next to the American flag, what do you want them to learn about your community in that first glance? The answer will shape where you place the flags, which sizes you choose, and which materials will carry your message best through Iowa’s seasons.
Iowa Nylon Flags vs Iowa Polyester Flags: Which Material Should You Fly?
History and meaning give a flag its soul. Material and construction give it a long life. If you fly outdoors in Iowa, you know the weather can change in minutes. Here is how to choose between Iowa nylon flags and Iowa polyester flags for your location.
Iowa Nylon Flags: Light, Bright, and Versatile
- Best for: Everyday flying in light to moderate wind, mixed sun and shade, residential settings, and wall mounted poles on storefronts.
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Why people choose nylon:
- Lifts in a light breeze, so the flag is visible even on calm days.
- Quick drying after rain or snow.
- Colors glow in sunlight due to a slightly translucent weave.
- Lighter on hardware, helpful for wall mounts and small in ground poles.
- Considerations: In very open or high wind corridors, nylon flies more often, which can mean faster wear on the fly end. Inspect stitching seasonally.
If this sounds like your site, shop Iowa Nylon Flag or browse the full Iowa State Flags Collection.
Iowa Polyester Flags: Rugged for Wind and Wide Open Spaces
- Best for: Wind prone sites, open farmland, hilltops, school campuses with tall poles, and any location that sees persistent gusts.
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Why people choose polyester:
- Heavier, rugged weave that resists tearing in strong wind.
- Thicker fabric that stands up to abrasion on the halyard or pole.
- Excellent longevity for busy poles that fly daily.
- Considerations: Polyester needs more wind to lift and is heavier, so confirm your halyard and snap hardware are sized correctly.
If this sounds like your site, shop the Iowa Polyester Flag or view the full Iowa State Flags Collection.
Quick Material Comparison
| Feature | Iowa Nylon Flags | Iowa Polyester Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Wind needed to fly | Minimal | Moderate |
| Best environment | Neighborhoods, storefronts, indoor sets | Open fields, campuses, high wind |
| Dry time | Very fast | Fast |
| Color appearance | Bright, slightly translucent | Bold, more opaque |
| Durability in strong wind | Good | Excellent |
| Weight on hardware | Light | Heavier |
If you are unsure, match the material to your wind profile first. Many Iowa customers keep one nylon flag for calm and shoulder seasons and one polyester flag for the windier months.
How to Fly the Iowa Flag with Respect
- Outdoors on two poles: U.S. flag on the taller pole or on the left when viewed from the street. Iowa flag on the adjacent pole at equal or lower height, following U.S. Flag Code and local guidelines.
- Outdoors on one pole: The U.S. flag flies at the peak, and the Iowa flag flies beneath on the same halyard.
- Indoors: On a stage, place the U.S. flag to the speaker’s right and the Iowa flag to the speaker’s left. Use indoor pole sleeve flags with fringe and a weighted floor stand for a formal look.
- Half staff: Follow proclamations from federal and state authorities. If multiple flags share the halyard, raise the U.S. flag to the peak first, then the Iowa flag, then lower both to half staff. Reverse the order when retiring for the day.
A well placed flag reads like good hospitality. It welcomes people, signals care, and helps visitors orient to the space.
A Short List: Iowa Flag Milestones
- 1917: Dixie Cornell Gebhardt designs the Iowa flag for Guard units as the United States enters World War I.
- 1917 to 1920: The banner spreads through parades, camps, and community ceremonies.
- 1921: The Iowa Legislature adopts the design as the official state flag.
- Late 20th century to today: The Iowa flag becomes a standard sight at schools, farms, courthouses, and state university events.
- Present: Iowans choose Iowa nylon flags for everyday flying and Iowa polyester flags for wind heavy sites to protect the emblem they prize.
Care and Longevity Tips for Iowa Flags
- Right size for the pole: A 3 × 5 foot flag fits 15 to 20 foot residential poles. A 4 × 6 or 5 × 8 foot flag suits 20 to 25 foot commercial poles.
- Inspect quarterly: Look for wear along the fly end and at the grommets. Trim loose threads and retire the flag before damage reaches the field.
- Wash gently: Mild soap and cool water can refresh road dust or farm residue. Dry completely before storage.
- Rotate seasonally: Keep one fresh flag ready to swap in during peak holidays or photo heavy events.
- Respectful retirement: When a flag is beyond repair, contact local veteran groups or community organizations that offer retirement services.
A Visitor’s View: Bringing History to Life
Imagine you are a traveler driving north from Missouri along the rolling Loess Hills. You stop at a courthouse square where the American flag and Iowa flag share the breeze. The tricolor catches your eye. The eagle on the white field points forward. The motto reads like a promise you can trust. You take a photo and send it to your family with a few words. “We made it to Iowa. Friendly people. Big sky. Strong coffee. Stronger values.” That is how a flag does its work. It tells a story at a glance, then lets the people you meet fill in the rest.
FAQ: Iowa Flag History and Buying Guide
When was the Iowa flag officially adopted?
The Iowa Legislature adopted the flag in 1921 after broad public use during and after World War I.
Why does the Iowa flag look like the French flag?
The vertical blue white red tricolor honors the region’s French colonial history while remaining distinct through the eagle, motto, and the state name IOWA.
What does the motto mean?
“Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain” expresses a commitment to freedom under law. It is a civic promise that guides public life in Iowa.
Which material should I choose for everyday outdoor use?
If your location has light to moderate wind, Iowa nylon flags are a smart choice. They fly easily and dry quickly after rain. If your site is wind prone or very exposed, Iowa polyester flags offer added durability.
What flag size should I buy for a 20 foot pole?
Common picks are 3 × 5 or 4 × 6 feet. If the site is open and windy, some buyers choose 4 × 6 for a bolder look while confirming the pole and hardware are rated for the extra load.
Can I use the Iowa flag indoors for ceremonies?
Yes. Choose indoor pole sleeve flags with fringe, a weighted floor stand, and a matching finial. Place the U.S. flag to the speaker’s right and the Iowa flag to the speaker’s left. Ceremonial Iowa Indoor Presentation Set
How do I extend the life of my Iowa flag?
Inspect stitching each season, avoid flying in severe storms when possible, rotate flags to share wear, and choose the right material for your wind profile.
Ready to Fly the Hawkeye State Colors
Honor Iowa’s past and present with a flag that is sized and built for your location. If you want bright lift on calm days, choose nylon. If you face steady prairie winds, choose polyester. Either way, you will carry forward a story that began on train platforms and parade routes more than a century ago.
- Explore the full range of Iowa state flags and accessories: Shop the Iowa State Flags Collection
- Choose a durable, everyday option: Iowa Nylon Flag
- Choose a rugged, wind ready option: Iowa Polyester Flag
If you would like help with sizing, material selection, or hardware, the Tidmore Flags team is ready to help. Tell us about your pole height, wind exposure, and display goals, and we will recommend the best Iowa nylon flags or Iowa polyester flags for your location.
