cleveland flag

In 1796, Cleveland, Ohio, was established on Lake Erie’s south shore and the east bank of the Cuyahoga River. As the population increased, the settlement expanded across the river to the west bank.

In 1818, this settlement became known as Ohio City. It became a municipality independent of Cleveland on March 3, 1836, two days before Cleveland’s incorporation. It remained independent until June 5, 1854, when Cleveland annexed it. The annexation increased Cleveland’s footprint and formally moved the city’s western border across the river.

Today, the area around West 25 Street in Cleveland is still known as Ohio City. It is home to many Cleveland landmarks including the Westside Market, Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Market Garden Brewing, St. Ignatius High School and the Great Lakes Brewing Company.

The Cuyahoga River is often called the Crooked River. An aerial view of the city shows where the nickname came from. As it nears Lake Erie, the river makes several tight turns as it doubles back on itself. The Crooked River moniker is said to be the English translation of the Native American word Cuyahoga. Although incorrect, the myth is firmly cemented in Cleveland popular culture and is unlikely to change.

The flag’s design echoes the shape of the lake and the land. The blue field represents Lake Erie. The red field on the hoist side (left) stands for Cleveland’s west side. The red field on the flag’s fly side (right) stands for Cleveland’s east side.

The white line starts on the flag’s hoist side and steadily moves up to the flag’s upper right corner. This is to show that Cleveland is on the rise. It also represents Lake Erie’s shore, as it separates the blue lake from the red land. The Cuyahoga River is styled as a white lightning bolt. It symbolizes Cleveland’s energy.

The flag’s blue field is for Cleveland’s loyalty; the red Cleveland's pride. The white is for Cleveland’s future.

This Cleveland flag redesign is built on a 1:6 grid. See how this new Cleveland flag compares to other Ohio city flags.