The Tennessee state flag is one of the most recognizable symbols of Tennessee, consisting of a tricolor of red, white, and navy blue stripes, and six stars arranged in a unique pattern. You might have seen it flying high at state buildings, stadiums, and even on clothing and license plates. But have you ever wondered about the meaning and significance behind those six stars? In this article, we’ll delve into the rich history of the Tennessee state flag, exploring its development over time and uncovering the stories and symbolism behind the stars that adorn it.
The Tennessee State Flag has been a symbol of the state’s pride and history since 1905. The flag features three stars in a blue circle on a field of red, with two blue bars on the top and bottom of the flag. The stars represent the three grand divisions of Tennessee: East, Middle, and West. The red in the flag’s background represents the valor and sacrifice of the Tennessee soldiers during the Spanish-American War and the Mexican War. The blue bars symbolize the patriotism of Tennesseans during World War I. The flag has undergone several changes since its inception, with the design evolving to reflect its storied history. Notably, the flag added a fourth, fifth, and sixth star over time, each representing different historic periods within the state. Tennessee’s flag stands proudly among the other state flags in America with its own unique story to tell.
The First Flag
of Tennessee was adopted in 1796, shortly after Tennessee had become the 16th state to join the Union. The design of the flag was simple, featuring only three stars on a blue field. The three stars represented the three regions of Tennessee: East, Middle, and West. The blue color symbolized the loyalty of Tennesseans to the United States.
However, the first flag was not officially adopted by the state legislature until 1905. Prior to that, the state had used a few different designs, including a variation of the US flag with a blue stripe across the top.
The design of the first flag of Tennessee may have been simple, but its significance cannot be overstated. It represented the state’s pride in being a part of the Union and its commitment to the values of the United States.
The Tennessee State Flag underwent various changes before its official adoption. The Flag of 1905 is an important milestone in the history of the state flag. It was adopted on April 17, 1905, and it was the second flag to be officially recognized. The Flag of 1905 depicted three white stars on a blue circle on a red field.
The three stars represented the three Grand Divisions of the State, namely East, Middle, and West Tennessee. These Grand Divisions were established based on topography and culture, as each region has its distinct characteristics. East Tennessee is mountainous, West Tennessee is flat and river-bound, while Middle Tennessee has a combination of both.
The Flag of 1905 was the first official state flag to have official specifications. It had a width of one-and-two-thirds a length, and the circle of stars had a diameter of three-fifths. The blue circle was two-thirds the width of the red field and was placed in the center of the flag. This design was in use for around 33 years until it was replaced with the current state flag in 1939.
The Flag of 1905 underwent changes over time. In 1915, a vertical bar was added to the fly end to distinguish the flag from a similar-looking flag of Ohio. In 1923, the circle of stars was adjusted to be more centered within the blue circle. These changes were made to differentiate Tennessee’s flag from the flags of other states.
It is interesting to note that the Flag of 1905 did not feature any stars that signified the state’s relation to the Confederacy. The design only symbolized the Grand Divisions of the State. This design marked a shift from previous flags that incorporated symbols of the Confederacy.
The Flag of 1905 is an essential part of Tennessee’s flag history. It represented the unique divisions and characteristics of the State and marked a change in the symbols that would come to be used in future flags.
The Official Flag
In 1923, after more than 20 years since the flag of 1905 has been widely used without official status, the Tennessee State Legislature finally recognized it as the state’s official flag. The design of the flag has a background made up of three stars, with two vertical stripes on the edges. The middle stripe is bigger and has a width twice that of the other two stripes. A circular emblem containing the six stars is centered on the red field. The small stars on the flag represent the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee, namely West, Middle, and East. The larger stars stand for the three different types of government in the state, legislative, executive, and judicial. The three stars have no symbolic relationship to the stars of the Confederacy as many people believe it to be.
The exact specifications of the official Tennessee State Flag are mandated by state law. The measurement of the flag may vary between six feet by ten feet and three feet by five feet. All flags should be made of two colors only – red and blue. The red on the flag is old glory red, while the blue is navy blue. The shade of blue is very much like the blue on the United States flag.
In addition to the three stars representing the Grand Divisions of Tennessee, the circular emblem on the official flag includes three white stars, which represent the three states previously formed from the territory of Tennessee before it became a state. The states are Franklin, formed in 1784 but disbanded in 1788, Southwest Territory, created in 1790, and Tennessee, which was admitted to the Union in 1796.
The Tennessee State Flag’s official design has remained relatively consistent over nearly a century. Nonetheless, like the flags of other states, its symbolism is significant and has an interesting history.
The Meaning Behind the Six Stars
The six stars on the Tennessee state flag represent the three Grand Divisions of the state: East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee. Each Grand Division has two stars to represent its historical associations. According to the Tennessee Secretary of State, the three stars on the upper part of the flag represent the three Grand Divisions, while the other three in the lower part represent the three different types of government: legislative, executive, and judicial, they has specific numbers under their jurisdiction. Interestingly, the inspiration for the six stars on the flag came from the Confederate battle flag, which also featured six stars. However, the Tennessee flag was designed to show unity after the Civil War, rather than division. The flag also features bold red and blue stripes which represent the patriotism of the state. The Tennessee state flag holds great significance for the state, representing both its history and unity, like flags of other US states, such as Florida, New York, and Texas.
The Three Grand Divisions
The three stars in the center of the Tennessee state flag represent the three geographic regions of the state: East, Middle, and West. Tennessee is unique in that the state is divided into grand divisions rather than counties, which is more common in other states. The three regions have distinct characteristics and cultures, giving Tennessee a diverse identity.
The East region of Tennessee is mountainous and is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. The Middle region is where the state capital of Nashville is located and is known for its lively music scene. The West region, which includes Memphis, is known for its blues music and southern barbeque.
The grand divisions of Tennessee were recognized in the state’s constitution in 1870, and were included on the state seal in 1987. The three stars on the state flag serve as a visual representation of the unity and diversity of the state of Tennessee.
The division of Tennessee into grand divisions reflects the state’s unique history and geography. The state’s eastern region was settled by English and Scots-Irish, while Middle Tennessee had a large influx of settlers from North Carolina and Virginia. West Tennessee was settled by people from Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky.
The three stars on the Tennessee state flag not only represent the three grand divisions of the state but also serve as a reminder of the diversity and unique characteristics that make up Tennessee as a whole. Other states, such as Maryland and South Carolina, also have unique flag designs that reflect their state’s history and culture.
The Stars of the Confederacy
One of the most controversial aspects of the Tennessee State flag is the inclusion of six stars in the canton that represent the six states of the Confederacy. The Confederacy, often referred to as the Confederacy of Southern States, was a short-lived government formed by secessionist states in the southern United States during the American Civil War.
The six stars on the Tennessee state flag are a symbol of the state’s proud history and its role in the Confederacy. These stars were added to the flag in the early 20th century as a nod to Tennessee’s southern heritage and as a way to pay homage to the Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War.
It’s important to note that the inclusion of the stars of the Confederacy on state flags has been a source of controversy in recent years, with many arguing that it is a symbol of racism and oppression. However, many others argue that it is simply a representation of the state’s history and heritage.
Regardless of one’s personal beliefs on the matter, it is clear that the six stars on the Tennessee State flag represent an important aspect of the state’s identity. It represents both its connection to the Confederacy and its proud southern heritage.
Here is a breakdown of the six stars on the Tennessee State flag:
Virginia: Virginia was one of the earliest states to join the Confederacy and played a pivotal role in the Civil War.
North Carolina: North Carolina was also an early member of the Confederacy and provided a significant number of troops to the southern cause.
South Carolina: South Carolina was the first state to secede from the United States and played a major role in the early days of the Civil War.
Georgia: Georgia was a key southern state during the Civil War and saw some of the most intense fighting of the entire conflict.
Alabama: Alabama was a strong supporter of the Confederacy and provided thousands of troops to fight for the southern cause.
Mississippi: Mississippi was another key southern state during the Civil War and played a significant role in the Confederate army.
While the six stars on the Tennessee State flag are contentious, they remain a powerful symbol of the state’s history and cultural heritage. For those who call Tennessee home, the six stars represent not only their connection to the past but also their hope for a bright future.
The Stripes of Patriotism
The Stripes of Patriotism on the Tennessee State Flag are a representation of the state’s pride and loyalty to the United States. These three white stripes, two of which are bordered by thin red lines, symbolize the state’s patriotism and devotion to the nation. The red lines on the flag are said to represent the blood shed by soldiers and patriots in defense of the country and to honor the sacrifices made by the state’s citizens.
Tennessee played an important role in the American Civil War, which saw the state divided between the North and the South. The white stripes on the flag also represent this division, as they symbolize the three regions of the state – East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee. These three grand divisions came together during the war, setting aside their differences to fight for their rights and beliefs.
The Stripes of Patriotism on the Tennessee State Flag also serve as a reminder of the state’s role in various wars throughout history. Tennessee has contributed to every major military conflict the United States has been involved in, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and both World Wars. The state has always been willing to send its soldiers to fight for their country, and the Stripes of Patriotism on the flag are a tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
The Stripes of Patriotism on the Tennessee State Flag serve as a powerful symbol of the state’s loyalty, devotion, and patriotism. The flag stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Tennessee’s citizens to protect their rights and the rights of all Americans. For more information about state flags, check out SC State Flag Facts, where you can learn about the history and symbolism of the South Carolina State Flag.
The Evolution of the Tennessee Flag
The Tennessee state flag has undergone a few changes since its inception in 1905. Between 1905 and 1915, the flag did not have specifications for how many stars should be on the flag, resulting in variations. In 1915, a law was passed that mandated the flag have three white, five-pointed stars. The flag remained unchanged until 1987, when a fourth star was added to represent the state’s role as the 16th state admitted to the Union after the United States was formed. This fourth star was placed in the middle of the flag, between the blue and white vertical stripes. In 1995, the three stars on the flag were rearranged to represent the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee. Finally, in 2011, another star was added to the flag to represent Tennessee’s status as the 16th state to join the Confederacy in the American Civil War. The evolution of the Tennessee flag is an interesting window into the history and cultural heritage of the state.
Changes to the Flag Since 1905
Since the official adoption of the Tennessee State Flag in 1905, there have been some changes made to the design. The first change was introduced in 1915, when a law was passed that mandated the addition of a vertical bar to the flag, separating the blue and red bar on the fly end. Later in 1923, a new law changed the shade of blue on the flag, requiring a lighter hue than the previous version.
In 1953, another law was passed that changed the five-pointed stars to a six-pointed design, making them more distinguishable from the stars on the Confederate flag. The size, position, and rotation of the stars were specified, meaning the flag could only be produced in a certain way.
For decades, Tennessee remained the only state to legally require flag production to be done in a specific way.
There was talk in 1987 of changing the flag to feature the state seal, but this proposal was ultimately rejected. In 1995, however, a seventh star was added to the flag, representing Tennessee’s status as the 16th state to join the Union.
While there have been discussions of redesigning the flag, no official proposals have been put forth. As it stands, the current design remains unchanged for nearly two decades.
It is interesting to note that although the flag has undergone changes throughout its history, it remains a symbol of pride and unity for Tennessee residents.
If you want to learn more about other state flags’ evolution, check out the history of the Arizona State Flag or the Maryland State Flag history. For those curious about symbols on other states’ flags, you may enjoy reading about the symbolism of the Virginia State Flag and Seal or the significance of the Louisiana State Flag after Hurricane Katrina.
The Addition of a Seventh Star
In 2021, Tennessee celebrated its 225th anniversary of becoming the 16th state of the United States. To commemorate this milestone, there were calls to update the state flag by adding a seventh star to represent the state’s achievement.
Supporters of the addition argued that it would acknowledge Tennessee’s progress and development over the past two centuries. Also, it would enhance the flag’s visual appeal by creating a more symmetrical design for the six stars to radiate around.
Opponents of the change argued that the seven-star design would disrupt the historical significance and symbolism of the current six-star design. Some even suggested that it would diminish the iconic status of the existing flag.
Despite the mixed reception, the proposed design was put forward in the Tennessee General Assembly, and a bill was passed to update the flag with the addition of a seventh star.
Now, the seven-star design incorporates the additional star within a blue background strip just above the center stars and positioned between the outermost stripes. It represents Tennessee’s status as an essential state in the United States.
The addition of the seventh star is a significant moment in the history of the Tennessee state flag. Whether it enhances or diminishes the symbolism of the current flag is up for debate, but it indisputably acknowledges Tennessee’s importance and contribution to the United States.
Proposals for Flag Redesigns
While the Tennessee flag has remained relatively unchanged for over a century, there have been several proposals for redesigns over the years. Some proposed designs aim to modernize the flag, while others seek to better represent the state’s history and culture.
One proposal suggests replacing the six stars with a single star, representing the state as a whole, with a white background and blue border, similar to the design of other state flags such as Texas. Others have proposed incorporating images of prominent state symbols, such as the mockingbird or the state flower, into the design.
Perhaps the most controversial proposal for a flag redesign came in 2019, when a group known as the “Tennessee Flag Redesign Project” launched a campaign to create a new flag design through a public contest. The winning design, known as the “Tri-Star Flag,” featured a large white star with three smaller stars inside on a blue background, representing the three grand divisions of Tennessee. However, this proposal faced criticism from those who felt that the state’s history and heritage were not adequately represented in the new design.
Ultimately, the proposal for a new flag was put to a vote in the state legislature, with the option to keep the existing flag alongside the new design. However, in the end, the vote was not successful, and the existing Tennessee state flag remains unchanged.
While there is no denying the interest and passion behind proposals for a redesign, the current flag’s longevity and historical significance may make it difficult to change. The six stars and three stripes have become emblematic symbols of the state and its history, and any proposed changes will likely continue to be met with both enthusiasm and apprehension.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tennessee state flag has a rich history and powerful symbolism. The six stars on the flag represent the state’s three grand divisions, the stars of the Confederacy, and the stripes of patriotism. The flag has evolved over time, with changes made to the design in 1905 and the addition of a seventh star in 1987.
Proposals for flag redesigns have been made, but the flag remains unchanged. This speaks to the pride and tradition that the people of Tennessee have for their flag and their state.
As with any symbol, the significance of the Tennessee state flag is subjective and can be interpreted in different ways. However, it is clear that the flag holds immense importance to the people of Tennessee, and its design and symbolism will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first Tennessee State Flag like?
The first Tennessee State Flag was designed by Colonel LeRoy Reeves of the Third Regiment of Tennessee Infantry and featured a blue background with a single white star in the center.
When was the current Tennessee State Flag adopted?
The current Tennessee State Flag was officially adopted on April 17, 1905.
Why does the Tennessee State Flag have six stars?
The six stars on the Tennessee State Flag represent the state’s three Grand Divisions (East, Middle, and West) and the three stars of the Confederacy, of which Tennessee was once a part.
What do the stripes on the Tennessee State Flag symbolize?
The three stripes on the Tennessee State Flag represent the state’s commitment to patriotism, with their red color symbolizing valor and hardiness, their white color symbolizing purity and innocence, and their blue color symbolizing vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Have there been any changes to the Tennessee State Flag since 1905?
Yes, the Tennessee State Flag has undergone a number of changes since its adoption in 1905, including the addition of a seventh star to represent the state’s contributions during both World War I and World War II.
Who designed the current Tennessee State Flag?
The current Tennessee State Flag was designed by Colonel John T. Wilder, a Confederate veteran and former Union Army officer.
What is the significance of the three stars of the Confederacy on the Tennessee State Flag?
The three stars of the Confederacy on the Tennessee State Flag represent the state’s historical ties to the Confederate States of America, of which Tennessee was once a member.
What are the Grand Divisions of Tennessee?
The Grand Divisions of Tennessee are the East, Middle, and West divisions of the state, which were established by the Tennessee State Constitution of 1870 as a way to balance the political power between the state’s eastern, central, and western regions.
What is the purpose of the Tennessee State Flag?
The Tennessee State Flag serves as a symbol of the state’s history and heritage, as well as its commitment to patriotism and unity.
Has there been any controversy surrounding the Tennessee State Flag?
Yes, there has been controversy surrounding the use of the Confederate symbol on the Tennessee State Flag, with some advocating for its removal in order to promote greater inclusivity and unity within the state.
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