cleveland flag

There are not enough flags with lightning on them. Cleveland flag design number 17 seeks to remedy this.

Cleveland is a vibrant, exciting and energetic place to live and work. The food, arts and culture scene features James Beard Award-winning chefs, nationally-recognized breweries, and a world renowned art museum and orchestra. Cleveland is the rock ‘n’ roll capital of the world and home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Cleveland is electric.

In Cleveland, Ohio, the Cuyahoga River is also known as the Crooked River. The Cuyahoga makes five sharp turns at it winds through Cleveland and empties into Lake Erie.

This Cleveland flag is divided horizontally into two fields: blue at the top and white below. Where they meet, the two fields form Cleveland’s northern horizon, where the land, Lake Erie and sky converge. The white field represents the north shore and the city of Cleveland. The land, or ‘The Land,’ as Cleveland is sometimes called, is the city’s foundation, upon which all things are built. In this way, the lower white field comes to represent strength and resilience. The upper blue field represents the wide, open sky over Cleveland. It is meant to represent hope and possibility.

A jagged blue shape slashes into the flag’s center from the lower left, or hoist, side. This is the Cuyahoga River, as it sharply cuts its way through Cleveland. From the top right corner, a bolt of white-hot lightning streaks through the sky, electrifying the heart of Cleveland.

The white lightning signifies Cleveland’s energy and innovation. The lightning’s point identifies Cleveland as a destination and as a recognized leader in healthcare, manufacturing and culture.

This Cleveland flag is a bi-color design, comprising blue and white. The blue stands for culture and community. The white stands for energy and innovation.

The Crooked River nickname is thought to be the English translation of the Native American word Cuyahoga. This is incorrect. However, the myth is firmly established in Cleveland popular culture and unlikely to change. An aerial view of Cleveland demonstrates why it is easy to believe the nickname’s story.

This Cleveland flag has an alternate color scheme.

This new Cleveland flag design is built on a 1:8 grid. See how this new flag concept compares to other current Ohio city flags.