Description
Chicago, one of America's premier cities, is known for its creative culture, sports, and commerce. The Chicago, IL flag is a classic symbol of the city by the Lake. Show your love for the Windy City with your very own Chi-Town flag!
CHICAGO, IL FLAG FEATURES
Our Chicago flags are 100% nylon and designed for everyday use. The lightweight nylon material ensures your flag continues waving, even if it's not a windy day in the Windy City! The nylon construction and high-quality print hold up firmly with quick-drying and heat-resistant capabilities. All Chicago, IL, flags feature:
- American-made
- Original 1939 design
- 100% nylon
- Strong canvas heading
- Brass grommets
*Flagpole not included. Hoist your American-made authentic Chicago flag onto any of our outdoor flagpoles with ease with its sturdy canvas header with brass grommets. This flag is available in multiple sizes, but our most popular choice is 3' x 5'.
MORE ABOUT CHICAGO FLAG HISTORY AND DESIGN
The site that would become Chicago was settled by French explorer Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable in the 1780s; he's commonly known as the "Founder of Chicago." In the mid-1800s, Chicago rapidly grew from a tiny town to a bustling city. After surviving the devastating 1871 Great Chicago Fire, the city became an even more robust manufacturing and agricultural hub than before.
The Chicago flag itself was initially designed by Wallace Rice in 1917 with two stars; the other two stars were added in 1933 and 1939. Rice's flag is packed with symbolism, from its blue and white stripes to the four unique six-pointed stars.
What does the Chicago Flag mean? The three white background “stripes” represent the North, West, and South sides of the city. The top blue stripe represents Lake Michigan and the north branch of the Chicago River. The bottom blue stripe represents the river’s south branch and the “Great Canal” over the Chicago Portage.
What do the stars on the Chicago flag represent? The three white background "stripes" represent the North, West, and South sides of the city. The top blue stripe represents Lake Michigan and the north branch of the Chicago River. The bottom blue stripe represents the river's south branch and the "Great Canal" over the Chicago Portage.
The stars represent:
- The first star was added in 1939 to commemorate Fort Dearborn. The six points stand for political entities the Chicago region has belonged to and the flags that have flown over the area: France, 1693; Great Britain, 1763; Virginia, 1778; the Northwest Territory, 1789; Indiana Territory, 1802; and Illinois (territory, 1809, and state, since 1818).
- The second star is original to the 1917 flag. This star stands for the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Its six points represent the virtues of religion, education, aesthetics, justice, benevolence, and civic pride.
- The third star is original to the 1917 flag. This star symbolizes the 1893 World's Expo; the six points symbolize transportation, labor, commerce, finance, populousness, and health.
- The fourth star was added in 1933. This star represents the Century of Progress Exposition in 1933-34. Its points refer to: Chicago's status as the United States' second largest city at the time of the star's addition (Chicago became third largest in a 1990 census when passed by Los Angeles); Chicago's Latin motto, Urbs in horto ("City in a garden"); Chicago's "I Will" motto; the Great Central Marketplace; Wonder City; and Convention City.
