The Indiana Flag: Who Really Designed It?

by David B. Reddick

Hoosier schoolchildren learn that Paul Hadley of Mooresville designed the state flag in 1917 and won a $100 prize from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for his efforts. But, is that what really happened? The Indiana Who Really Designed It? chronicles the DAR’s four-year campaign to persuade lawmakers to adopt a unique state flag. It details how two other flags — one designed by a Civil War veteran from Richmond, Indiana, in 1914 and one created by a New York-based pageant director in 1916 both played a pivotal role in Hadley’s ultimate design. The book also reveals the previously untold story of an 1885 state flag created for the dedication of the Washington Monument and of a law enacted in 1901 to make “Old Glory” the official state flag of Indiana.

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2023

Reviews

[Richard Joya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a good scholar, there are plenty of footnotes and sources to back up David's claim. I enjoyed how the book focuses a lot on the fascinating people and groups who had designs for the Indiana flag. Whenever I hear about the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) I answer with, "yeah! I have heard of them."

The other flag design was interesting. That chapter also teaches you a word that will impress friends at a party "Vexillology."