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The flag of Cleveland serves as the representative banner of the city of Cleveland, Ohio, United States. The flag was designed by local art school graduate, Susan Hepburn, and was officially adopted as the municipal banner by Cleveland City Council on October 21, 1895, with the ordinance on the flag adopted on February 24, 1896.
Description[]
A vertical triband of red (left), white (middle), and blue (right), with a shield in the center with the name "Cleveland" breaking through near the top. The bottom portion of the shield is outlined in red and consists of the year "1796" surrounded by a laurel wreath. The top portion is outlined in blue with symbols representing the city's association with industry and maritime interests. At the bottom is the municipal motto "Progress & Prosperity".
Symbolism[]
The blue, white, red and the use of the American shield represent patriotism, something that many felt would unite the city. 1796 is the year in which Cleveland was founded by Gen. Moses Cleaveland, whom the city is named after. The anvil, hammer and wheel represent the city's heavy industry. The anchor, windlass and oars represent maritime interests (Cleveland is a major port on the Great Lakes). The city's motto, "Progress and Prosperity" refers to the substantial boom period Cleveland experienced through the first half of the 20th century.
"People's Flag"[]
On March 7, 2025, a Northeast Ohio civic group adopted a "People's Flag" of Cleveland. The "People's Flag" originated in a 2024 effort to redesign the official city flag. After the idea of changing the official flag was declined by Cleveland City Council, the design was launched as an unofficial "People's Flag" of Cleveland.
Finalist designs[]
People's flag of Cleveland.
.png "Cleveland, Ohio (Flag Design 2).png (471 KB)")
.png "Cleveland, Ohio (Flag Design 3).png (355 KB)")
Flag Redesigns[]
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