The white field carries the state seal: an eagle clutching a shield and banner, perched on rock by water. “State Sovereignty, National Union” is its motto, words in tension yet bound together. “Illinois” is written below in plain letters, making the flag both emblem and label.
White field with Illinois state seal and the word ‘ILLINOIS’ below.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag Statute
the reproduction of the emblem only on the 'great seal of the State of Illinois' … reproduced in black or in the national colors upon a white sheet or background and bearing underneath the emblem in blue letters the word 'Illinois,' and being an actual reproduction of the great seal, except for the outer ring, for use as a State banner
Source: 2024 Illinois Compiled Statutes, 5 ILCS 460/5 (2024)
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Lucy Derwent
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Bald eagle
- Design type
- State seal on white field
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 4/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Eagle
Represents the United States.
Banner
Displays state motto ‘State Sovereignty, National Union.’
Sun And Water
Symbolize future and prosperity.
Design Breakdown
The Illinois flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: White field with Illinois state seal and the word ‘ILLINOIS’ below.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- One of few state flags with a white field
- Features a motto emphasizing national unity over state power
- Prominently displays a post–Civil War ideological message
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Strong national symbolism
- Clear historical messaging
- Distinctive white background among state flags
Common criticism
- Highly detailed seal
- Includes text
- Low legibility at distance
- Difficult to reproduce accurately
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the state seal
- Adopt a prairie or skyline-based symbol
- Eliminate text and motto
Notable proposals
- Illinois Flag Commission redesign concepts
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Illinois state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain meaning of Illinois’s motto.
- Identify national symbols on the seal.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
State Seal
The Great Seal of the State of Illinois centered on a white field.
Attributes: Bald eagle, Shield with U.S. flag elements, Rising sun, Rock and prairie landscape, State name and motto ribbon
Meaning: Illinois’ national loyalty, strength, growth, and natural landscape
Eagle
A bald eagle grasping a shield and a ribbon in its beak.
Attributes: Bald eagle, Shield, Flowing ribbon
Meaning: Federal unity, strength, and protection
Motto
The ribbon reading 'State Sovereignty, National Union'.
Attributes: English text
Meaning: Balance between state rights and federal unity
Historical Timeline
Illinois admitted as 21st state.
First official flag adopted.
Word ‘ILLINOIS’ added below seal for clarity.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on white field
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 4/10
Fascinating Facts
Illinois’s motto balances state sovereignty with national unity.
The word ‘ILLINOIS’ was added in 1970 after veterans pushed for clearer identification.
The bald eagle symbolizes the United States.
The shield on the eagle’s chest represents national strength and defense.
The banner shows the state motto ‘State Sovereignty, National Union.’
The flag features the state seal on a white field.
The current design was officially adopted in 1915.
Illinois is one of several states to modify its flag for better recognizability.
State Information
- Population
- 12,812,508
- Area
- 57,914
- Founded
- 03 Dec 1818
- Region
- Midwest
