What makes up the flag?
If you’ve ever seen Indiana’s flag, you’ve probably noticed the flaming torch in the center. That torch isn’t just there to look cool (although it does look pretty cool). It stands for liberty and enlightenment, two values Indiana has proudly carried since it became the 19th state in 1816.
The flag features 19 stars in total, representing the states that joined the Union before or alongside Indiana. At the center is a golden torch, symbolizing liberty and enlightenment, with rays extending outward to show the spread of freedom, knowledge, and progress.
At the top of the torch, one larger star shines the brightest. That’s Indiana, proudly taking its place as the 19th state.
When did Indiana get its flag?
Surprisingly, we didn’t have a state flag until 100 years after joining the Union!
It wasn’t until 1916, during Indiana’s centennial celebration, that a proper state flag was finally introduced. The Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution sponsored a design contest and invited Hoosiers across the state to submit their visions of what Indiana’s flag should look like.
The prize? A whole $100, which was a decent chunk of change in 1916. (That’s about $2,800 today!)
The winner was a man named Paul Hadley, an art instructor from Mooresville. His design was simple but powerful, and it perfectly captured the spirit of Indiana: bold, forward-thinking, and shining bright.
Fun fact: Mooresville is still proud of its hometown hero! The Paul Hadley Middle School is named in his honor, and the town has a historical marker dedicated to his contributions.
A few tweaks have been made
While Paul Hadley’s design won the contest in 1916, the flag didn’t officially become the state flag until 1917, when the Indiana General Assembly made it the real deal.
In 1955, it got a small makeover. The word “INDIANA” was added above the largest star to make it crystal clear who the flag was reppin’.
Today, the flag flies proudly on government buildings, schools, sports arenas, and even in front yards across the state.
Next time you see it waving against a blue Hoosier sky, give it a nod. After all, not every state gets to rock a torch of liberty with a literal glow-up.
Want more Indiana history? After learning about the flag, check out our fun quiz in Celebrating Indiana’s Half Birthday: Test Your Knowledge of the Hoosier State!
