Ohio’s state flag is unlike any other state’s

Ohio’s state flag is unlike any other state’s

 

Every state in the US has its own flag, and all of these flags are rectangular. That is, except Ohio.

Their flag is technically referred to as a pennant, but it’s more commonly likened to the shape of a swallow.

It was designed by John Eisenmann and came into use in 1902.

It’s theorized that Eisenmann was inspired by the swallow-shaped military flags carried by the cavalry.

The general assembly hereby establishes a recommended procedure for the folding of the state flag by two people. The procedure is as follows:

With the flag unfolded, fold the flag in half lengthwise so that the points of the flag are aligned. Fold the flag in half lengthwise a second time to form a long strip with the red disc facing the ground. Next, fold the pointed end back onto itself to form a rectangle. These steps entail three folds.

Starting on the end formed by the fold of the pointed end back onto itself, fold two inches of the flag onto itself for a flag with a three-foot hoist and a five-foot fly, or another appropriate width of fold for a flag of a different size. Repeat the folds a total of fourteen times, alternating the folds in a fan-like manner.

The result is a total of seventeen folds symbolizing that Ohio was the seventeenth state admitted to the Union. Finally, neatly and snugly wrap the remaining length of flag around the fan-folds to form a compact rectangle.