On blue, a gold torch flares with rays, encircled by nineteen stars — Indiana being the nineteenth state admitted to the Union. The torch symbolises enlightenment and liberty, the stars unity. It is uncluttered and luminous, almost celestial.
Blue field with golden torch and 19 stars arranged around it.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Paul Hadley
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- No
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- Symbolic emblem flag
- Complexity
- 3/10
- Readability
- 9/10
- Seal-based design
- No
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Torch
Represents liberty and enlightenment.
13 Outer Stars
Symbolize the original 13 colonies.
5 Inner Stars
Represent the next five states.
Large Star Above Torch
Represents Indiana, the 19th state.
Design Breakdown
The Indiana 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: Blue field with golden torch and 19 stars arranged around it.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- One of the best-rated U.S. state flags in vexillology
- Uses stars to encode exact order of statehood
- Avoids seal-based design entirely
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Clear symbolism
- Balanced composition
- High contrast and visibility
- No text or seal
Common criticism
- Symbolism not immediately obvious without explanation
- Can be confused with municipal or organizational flags at distance
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: No
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Indiana state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain symbolism of stars and torch.
- Relate flag to Indiana’s admission as the 19th state.
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
Torch
A central gold torch radiating light.
Attributes: Gold torch with rays
Meaning: Liberty, knowledge, and progress
Stars
Nineteen gold stars arranged around the torch.
Attributes: Outer circle of thirteen stars, Inner arc of five stars, One larger star above the torch
Meaning: Indiana as the 19th state, with thirteen original states represented
Field
Dark blue background.
Meaning: Stability, dignity, and unity
Historical Timeline
Indiana admitted as 19th state.
Flag design adopted during centennial.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: Symbolic emblem flag
Complexity: 3/10
Readability: 9/10
Fascinating Facts
Designed by a Hoosier artist during a contest.
Stars clearly show Indiana as the 19th state.
The torch represents liberty and enlightenment.
The outer circle of stars symbolizes the original states.
The inner semi-circle of stars represents states added before Indiana.
The larger star above the torch represents Indiana itself.
The flag uses gold symbols on a blue field.
The design was officially adopted in 1917.
State Information
- Population
- 6,785,528
- Area
- 36,420
- Founded
- 11 Dec 1816
- Region
- Midwest
