The Indiana State Flag: Symbols of Enlightenment, Unity, and State Pride

Some flags fade into the background. Indiana’s doesn’t. There’s a golden torch at the center of it all—shining brightly against deep blue. It’s more than decoration. It’s a message. And once you understand it, you’ll never look at it the same way again.

Why a Torch?

The torch on Indiana’s flag isn’t just a design—it’s a declaration. A flame of liberty, knowledge, and the drive to move forward. Back in 1916, when Indiana turned 100, the state wanted more than just a party. They wanted a symbol that would last.

Paul Hadley, an artist from Mooresville, gave them exactly that. He submitted the winning design in a statewide contest, and the state adopted it in 1917. The torch has burned bright ever since.

What the 19 Stars Say

They’re not there just to look pretty. There are 19 of them—each one placed with purpose.

• 13 outer stars = the original colonies
• 5 inner stars = the next five states
• The big one above the flame = Indiana, the 19th state to join the Union

This isn't random sparkle. It’s a layered story told in gold, showing where we came from and how Indiana stands tall among the stars.

What the Blue Background Means

That deep blue field? It symbolizes honor, peace, and loyalty. But it also feels like home. The rivers, the skies, the calm—blue captures all of it. The color grounds the torch, giving the fire a place to belong.

Indiana’s Flag Never Changed—Here’s Why

Some states change their flags. Indiana didn’t. What was true in 1917 still feels right today. The design is clean. The message is timeless. And when something works, why mess with it?

How the Flag Shows Up Today

Walk into any Indiana school, government building, or veterans’ memorial and you’ll likely see it—proud and still. It doesn’t compete with the U.S. flag; it stands with it. Two stories, side by side.

For service members and veterans, that torch means something more: freedom, carried and protected. For students, it’s often the first symbol of state pride they ever learn.

Flag Etiquette and Display Tips

Want to fly the Indiana flag at your home? Here’s how to do it right:

• Always light it at night with a solar-powered flagpole light for 24-hour visibility
• Pair it with the U.S. flag for state and national pride
• Use a Roosevelt Premium 25ft Flag Pole Kit for a clean, sturdy display

Quick Answers to Common Questions

• What does the torch stand for? Liberty, enlightenment, and progress.
• Why 19 stars? Because Indiana was the 19th state to join the Union.
• Who designed it? Paul Hadley, in 1916.
• When was it adopted? 1917 as a banner; 1955 officially as the state flag.
• Is it still used today? Absolutely—at schools, parades, and public buildings across the state.

Final Thoughts: What This Flag Really Means

The Indiana State Flag isn’t flashy—but it’s powerful. It tells a story about freedom, about knowledge, and about who we are when we stand together. Whether it’s your first time noticing it or your hundredth time raising it, the meaning still matters.

Thanks for reading. If this helped you understand the flag better, send it to a fellow Hoosier—or anyone who loves American symbols with real heart behind them.