Flag of Des Moines, Iowa facts for kids
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| Proportion | 1:2 |
|---|---|
| Adopted | April 15, 1974 |
| Design | A dark blue field with a red trapezoid at the hoist, with three horizontal white arched bridges running from the trapezoid to the end |
| Designed by | Walter T. Proctor |
The flag of Des Moines, Iowa is a special symbol for the city. It was designed by Walter T. Proctor. The flag has a blue background with a red stripe on the left side. Three white shapes that look like bridges stretch across the flag.
Contents
What the Flag Means
The colors and shapes on the Des Moines flag each have a special meaning. They tell a story about the city and its history.
The Red Stripe
The red stripe on the flag doesn't have a specific meaning written down. However, the flag's designer, Walter T. Proctor, chose red, white, and blue. He wanted these colors to match the colors of the United States flag.
The White Bridges
The three white shapes on the flag are very important. They stand for three real bridges in Des Moines. These are the Grand, Locust, and Walnut Street bridges. They cross the Des Moines River. These bridges connect different parts of the city.
The Blue Background
The blue part of the flag is next to the white bridges. This blue color represents the water of the Des Moines River itself. It shows how important the river is to the city.
How the Flag Was Chosen
In 1974, the city of Des Moines decided to get a new flag. The Des Moines City Council asked people to send in their ideas for a flag design. Many people submitted their drawings.
On April 15, 1974, the City Council chose a design by Walter T. Proctor. Proctor wanted his flag to show the importance of the Des Moines River. He also wanted to highlight the Walnut, Locust, and Grand Street bridges. He called these "modern bridges." They connect the east and west sides of the city across the river. Proctor believed these bridges show how the city is united, even though the river divides it.
The River and Its Importance
The Des Moines River flows through the city from north to south. It runs along the east side of downtown. Many important city buildings are located near the river. These include the city hall, the library, and the police station.
Today, Des Moines is still working to make the river area a great place for everyone. They are building a large urban riverwalk along the river. This project helps create fun community spaces.
