American Flags : Iowa State Flag

Iowa Flag History : Iowa's flag seal dates from 1847, one year after the state was admitted to the Union. The seal depicts a flying eagle holding a scroll in its beak, together with a soldier holding a flag with the Cap of Liberty. It was this eagle that was taken from the seal and used on the flag. American soldiers in France were sent copies of their state flags by their families in 1917, except those soldiers from states such as Iowa, which had no flag. The Daughters of the American Revolution sought a flag for Iowa. The eagle and scroll was put onto a white field, together with the name of the state. Many people felt that state flags were unnecessary when the Stars and Stripes could serve as an expression of national unity. It wasn't until March 1921 for the present flag to be adopted by the state legislature. A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution suggested that Iowa's part in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, should be indicated by the addition of the French red, white and blue, and this idea was officially adopted.