The History and Meaning Behind the St. Louis Flag

If you're someone who gets a little spark of pride inside when you see a flag flying in the breeze - whether it's the Stars and Stripes or a little more local to your area - you're not alone. There's something about symbols of tradition, history, and what we're all about as a community that resonates so deeply.

One of them is the St. Louis Flag, a strong, symbolic flag that has become one of the nation's greatest city flags. Whether you live there, whether you've got heritage in the area, or whether you're just a fan of fine flag design, the St. Louis flag is worth knowing about.

The Origin of the St. Louis Flag

It was in 1964 that the city of St. Louis came to the understanding that it needed a flag to represent it more accurately on the matter of identity. It was designed by Theodore Sizer, an art history professor at Yale and an established flag design consultant.

Sizer wasn't unfamiliar with effective design. He created a flag that did more than just look good; it told a story. A story of rivers, heritage, and unity. And he created it to last not just in material, but in spirit.

While other cities continue to redesign logos and flags, St. Louis has left this one untouched for over 60 years. Why? Because it works. Because it speaks.

Unraveling the History Behind the Flag

The St. Louis Flag is not only a nice sight to behold; it's rich in history and symbolism. Every line, color, and symbol is symbolic for part of the city's history.

The Wavy Blue and Red Stripes

• The wavy blue and red stripes symbolize the Mississippi, Missouri, and Meramec Rivers, that all merge together close to St. Louis.
• The blue stripe represents the strong Mississippi and Missouri rivers.
• The red stripe symbolizes the Meramec River and denotes courage and strength.

Both of them call the city's glorious history as the "Gateway to the West."

The Gold Fleur-de-Lis

Central is a gold fleur-de-lis, which is the French traditional symbol. It shows a statue of King Louis IX of France, for whom the city was named. It also acknowledges the French roots of the original St. Louis pioneers.

Most of those who are flag enthusiasts love this symbol for its deep symbolism and prominent place; it's both historical and aesthetically powerful.

The White Stripes that Meet in the Middle

The stripes represent unitedness, which is the confluence of the rivers and the people. Where they intersect is the fleur-de-lis, which symbolizes that heritage and unitedness accompany each other.

The Colors: Red, White, and Blue

These shades make one think of the American flag and the values of freedom, strength, and peace. The color palette immediately invokes patriotic feelings among the majority of Missourians.

Why Citizens Adore the St. Louis Flag

If you've ever attended a veterans parade, city function, or even driven by City Hall, chances are you've witnessed the St. Louis flag fluttering high. It's not exactly some other city emblem; it's a flag with personality.

Flag enthusiasts prefer it because:

• It has clear meaning and is not cluttered.
• It honors both local and national identity.
• It has been awarded and ranked as the best by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA).
• It nicely reconciles design and history in a way that few city flags accomplish.

All cities tend to always change or revise their plans, but St. Louis boasts a flag that has stood the test of time.

Where You'll Find the St. Louis Flag

This flag is everywhere in the city and beyond. It is a civic icon of pride and a collector's and local favorite.

Places You'll Usualy Find It:

• Hang outside city buildings, libraries, and fire stations
• Used as patches by local sporting clubs and organizations
• Attached to t-shirts, stickers, banners, and even beer cans
• Fundraised during parades, Fourth of July celebrations, and local neighborhood block parties

Increasingly, individuals are opting to fly the St. Louis flag on residential homes and commercial businesses, along with their American made flags. It's an excellent means of expressing pride for one's home.

How to Display the St. Louis Flag Properly

If you're flying it, fly it properly. Here are some basic flag etiquette rules:

• When it is flying the American flag, the St. Louis flag has to be to the left (viewer's right).
• Use a spotlight when flying after dark.
• See that it is spotless, never frayed, and never allowed to touch the ground.
• Fly it alone or fly it with a USA flag, but make sure it is in pristine condition.

Why It's a Flag Worth Celebrating

In a time when so many city symbols are so readily forgettable, the St. Louis flag is not. It connects the past with the present. It honors the people, the land, and the rivers that shaped the heart of Missouri.

If you appreciate the craftsmanship of an American made flag, you'll see that same purpose and care in the St. Louis city flag.

It's a banner that shouts loud. And it declares we are proud, we are strong, and we remember where we came from.

Order Your St. Louis Flag Today!

 Want to fly your own St. Louis flag in your shop or at home? It's time to stand proud and show your pride with a symbol that speaks to real Missouri values. Every flag of ours is built to last and stand for all that matters to you. Our flags are Veteran-Owned, Made in USA, and Weather-Tested.