The Iowa flag features a French tricolor design with blue, white, and red vertical stripes, and an eagle carrying a ribbon inscribed with the state motto. Adopted in 1921, it reflects Iowa’s history, values of liberty, and ties to both French heritage and American identity.
Knowledge Graph — Iowa State Flag
| Node | Value | Notes & Links |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Iowa’s flag shows a French tricolor design with an eagle carrying a ribbon that bears the state motto. | Official state flag of Iowa. |
| Origin | Designed by Dixie Cornell Gebhardt in 1917 and officially adopted in 1921. | See Britannica |
| Uses | Government display, schools, state events, parades, and civic occasions. | Shop: vicdria Iowa Flags |
| Design Elements | French tricolor (heritage, liberty), eagle (freedom), ribbon motto (state values), red/white/blue (U.S. identity). | Symbols connect Iowa to French roots and U.S. union. |
| Related Terms | Iowa flag meaning; eagle in state flags; Iowa motto; tricolor symbolism; liberty symbolism. |
Note: The Iowa flag’s tricolor design connects to both French Louisiana heritage and American ideals of liberty.
Geographic Name + Alias
Iowa — also referred to as the “Tricolor Eagle Flag” because of its French-inspired design and prominent eagle motif.
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Style & Composition
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Field (Background) | Vertical stripes of blue, white, and red (French tricolor). |
| Eagle | Bald eagle at center carrying a ribbon with state motto. |
| Motto | “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” |
| Text | “Iowa” printed beneath the eagle. |
| Ratios | Standard 2:3 ratio for clear flag proportions. |
Symbolism & Meanings
- French tricolor: acknowledges Iowa’s French Louisiana heritage.
- Eagle: represents freedom and the United States.
- Ribbon motto: highlights Iowa’s values of liberty and rights.
- Colors: red, white, and blue link to both U.S. and French traditions.
Historical Origin
The Iowa flag was designed in 1917 during World War I by Dixie Cornell Gebhardt of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The flag was intended to honor Iowa soldiers while reflecting both French heritage and U.S. identity. It was officially adopted in 1921 by the state legislature.
People Also Ask — Quick Answers
What does the Iowa flag symbolize?
It symbolizes freedom, heritage, and the values of liberty and rights, represented by the eagle, motto, and French tricolor.
Who designed the Iowa state flag?
Dixie Cornell Gebhardt, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, designed it in 1917.
When was the Iowa flag officially adopted?
The flag was officially adopted by Iowa’s legislature in 1921.
Why does the Iowa flag resemble the French flag?
Because of Iowa’s French Louisiana heritage, it honors cultural ties and liberty symbolism from France.