Chicago, Illinois (United States of America)

Last modified: 1997-10-23 by rob raeside
Keywords: chicago | illinois | united states of america | star |
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• Description and meaning of the flag

See also:

• Flag text
• Image of the flag
• Illinois
• United States of America

The flag of Chicago has broader blue stripes and four six-pointed stars all in red. Originally the flag had two stars when it was adopted in 1917. The white stripes represent the North, West and South sides of the city. The two blue stripes symbolize Lake Michigan plus the North Branch of the Chicago River, and South Branch of the Chicago River plus the Great Canal. The symbolism of the stars is complex. Here is how it is described:

The First Red Star represents Fort Dearborn (added in 1939).

The Points of the First Red Stars signify:

1. transportation
2. labor
3. commerce
4. finance
5. populousness
6. salubrity

The Second Red Star represents the Chicago Fire of October 8-10, 1871.

The Points of the Second Red Star signify:

1. religion
2. education
3. esthetics
4. justice
5. beneficience
6. civic pride

The Third Red Star represents the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.

The Points of the Third Red Star signify history of the area:

1. France 1693
2. Great Britain 1763
3. Virginia 1778
4. Northwest Territory 1798
5. Indian Territory 1802
6. Illinois Statehood 1818

The Fourth Red Star represents the century of progress, and was added for the Exposition of 1933 (added in 1933).

The Points of the Fourth Red Star signify:

1. World's Third Largest City
2. City's Latin Motto
3. I Will Motto
4. Great Central Market
5. Wonder City
6. Convention City

Jan Oskar Engene, 1996-MAR-16