Symbolism.
Inspiration from our beautiful city.
One Flag, One Cleveland!
On October 21, 1895, Cleveland City Council unanimously adopted Hepburn’s flag, which features a red, white, and blue vertical triband with a central white shield. The colors are those of the United States flag, predating the Ohio state flag adopted in 1902, which uses the same colors. The shield displays symbols of industry, waterways, and Cleveland’s founding year of 1796, surrounded by a laurel wreath. Although the initial design lacked a motto, Mayor Robert McKisson added “Progress and Prosperity” in November 1895 amid some controversy, making it the city’s official motto. The devices on the shield represent Cleveland's status as an industrial city and a commercial port on Lake Erie. Cleveland was founded by Moses Cleaveland in 1796, and the city was named after him, although the spelling has been altered over time.
Flag Anatomy.
The colors on the flag represent American patriotism. They are red, white, and blue the same colors as the United States flag. Cleveland's flag predates the Ohio state flag adopted in 1902 which also uses these colors. These style of flags are recognized as tri-colored flags.
The shield serves as the center piece holding everything that makes Cleveland the great city it is together and also representing the city with its name beutifufly diaplsyed in the middle of the shield.
The anchor windlass and oars symbolize Cleveland's status as a major port on the Great Lakes and the beautiful Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River which make our city one of a kind.
The anvil hammer and wheel allude to the city's industrial past and manufacturing strength. They still represent our city's workforce today.
The laurel wreath surrounding the date 1796 the year the city was founded symbolizes victory triumph and honor It is a classic symbol of achievement and commemorates the founding of Cleveland by General Moses Cleaveland.
The motto Progress and Prosperity reflects the city's aspirations The motto was officially chosen by Mayor Robert McKisson and resolved by the city's flag committee in November 1895 however because it was omitted from 18-year-old Susan Hepburn’s original winning design the motto was not physically stitched or printed on the flag until the 1960s.