Tennessee Flag
By Andy Lee
The flag of Tennessee is a red field with a white-bordered blue circle in the center, bearing three white five-pointed stars. The white border around the blue circle represents purity and innocence. The red field represents valor and hardiness. The blue circle represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice, as well as the unity of the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee: East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee. The stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the state: the mountains, the plains, and the valleys.
The flag was designed by Captain LeRoy Reeves of the Tennessee Infantry and adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly on April 17, 1905. It is one of only a few U.S. state flags that are not rectangular. The flag is one of the few U.S. state flags designed with intentional consideration for how it will look draped on a wind-free day. The blue circle is positioned so that it appears to be centered even when the flag is not waving.
The flag has been the subject of some controversy. In 2000, a group of citizens filed a lawsuit challenging the flag’s use of the Confederate battle flag. The lawsuit was ultimately unsuccessful, but it did raise questions about the flag’s symbolism.
Despite the controversy, the Tennessee flag remains a popular symbol of the state. It is flown at all state government buildings and is a popular symbol of state pride.
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