DATE: 2022
NAME: Ayla Kerr
Illinois Flag
Illinois's original state flag was designed in 1913 by Lucy Derwent (who had won a
contest), but was redesigned in 1970 by Mrs. Sanford Hutchinson. The flag's design is based upon
the state's seal, which was designed by Sharon Tyndale, Illinois' secretary of state, in 1868.
The flag has a white background, and much of the Illinois state seal is pictured in the
center. There is a bald eagle perched on a rock holding a red, white, and blue shield in its talons
(the stars are white on a blue background and the stripes are red and white). The shield has 13
stripes and 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies of the USA. The eagle is holding a
banner in its beak which reads "STATE," "SOVEREIGNTY," "NATIONAL," and "UNION."
The word sovereignty is upside down. The rock has the dates 1818 and 1868 written on it; 1818
refers to the year Illinois became a state and 1868 refers to the date the state seal was redesigned.
Illinois was the 21st state in the USA; it became a state in 1818.
Questions:
Illinois became a state on December 3, 1818.
1. When did Illinois become a state? _______________________________
There are 21 stars on the flag
2. How many stars are on this flag? ___________________________________________
Illinois's flag was officially adopted on July 6, 1915.
3. When was Illinois's flag officially adopted? _______________________________