A crimson field with a blue vertical bar at the fly. Centred is a blue circle edged in white, containing three white stars, representing East, Middle and West Tennessee, bound in unity. Compact, geometric, and memorably distinct.
Red field with blue circle containing three white stars; narrow vertical blue bar at fly end bordered in white.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- LeRoy Reeves
- 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
Three Stars
Symbolize East, Middle, and West Tennessee.
Blue Circle
Unity of the three divisions.
Vertical Blue Bar
Balances the design near the fly end.
Design Breakdown
The Tennessee 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: Red field with blue circle containing three white stars; narrow vertical blue bar at fly end bordered in white.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag representing its three Grand Divisions
- Uses an off-center vertical stripe for visual balance
- One of the most highly regarded state flags by vexillologists
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Clear regional symbolism
- Strong color balance
- Highly recognizable design
- Effective use of geometric shapes
Common criticism
- Symbolism not immediately obvious without explanation
- Blue stripe placement can seem unusual to some viewers
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: No
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Tennessee state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain the meaning of the three stars and circle.
- Discuss how simple geometry improves flag design.
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
Three Stars
Three white five-pointed stars arranged within a blue circle.
Attributes: Three white stars, Blue circular field
Meaning: Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee
Circle
A blue circle surrounding the three stars.
Attributes: Blue ring
Meaning: Unity and equality among the state’s three regions
Field And Border
A red field with a vertical blue stripe edged in white at the fly.
Attributes: Red field, Blue vertical stripe, White borders
Meaning: Valor (red), loyalty (blue), and purity (white)
Historical Timeline
Admitted as the 16th state.
Current flag adopted, designed by a Tennessee National Guardsman.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: Symbolic emblem flag
Complexity: 3/10
Readability: 9/10
Fascinating Facts
One of the most recognizable and well-rated U.S. state flags.
The three-star motif appears widely in Tennessee branding.
The three stars represent the state’s three Grand Divisions.
The blue circle around the stars symbolizes unity.
The red field reflects courage and valor.
The narrow blue stripe along the fly edge balances the design.
The flag was designed by Colonel Lee Roy Reeves.
The current design was officially adopted in 1905.
State Information
- Population
- 6,910,840
- Area
- 42,144
- Founded
- 01 Jun 1796
- Region
- Southeast
