Flag of Wichita, Kansas facts for kids
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| Proportion | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Adopted | June 14, 1937 |
| Design | A white field with three alternating rays expanding from the center blue circle with the Native American symbol for happiness in white |
| Designed by | Cecil McAlister |
The official flag of Wichita, Kansas was chosen in 1937. A local artist named Cecil McAlister designed it. The flag stands for freedom, happiness, and a sense of home.
The flag has a blue circle in the middle. This blue circle looks like a sun and means happiness. Inside the blue sun, there is a white symbol. This symbol is a Native American sign for a lasting home. Three red and white lines spread out from the blue sun. These lines show the path of freedom, meaning you can come and go as you wish.
The flag was picked from over 100 designs in a city contest. It was officially adopted on Flag Day, June 14, 1937. Mayor T. Walker Weaver made the announcement. A local seamstress, Mary J. Harper, made the very first Wichita flag. It flew for the first time at City Hall on July 23, 1937.
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How Wichita Got Its Flag
In the early 1900s, Wichita was growing and changing a lot. The city saw big changes with the oil industry. It also went through tough times like the Great Depression. Then, the aircraft industry grew, bringing many new jobs during World War II.
Wichita became known for many things over the years. People called it "Cowtown" or "Doo Dah." It was even called the "Broomcorn Capital." But city leaders felt these names didn't quite fit anymore.
As the airplane industry grew, Wichita earned a new nickname. It became known as the "Air Capital of the World." After the Depression and the Dust Bowl hit, leaders decided Wichita needed more than just a slogan. They wanted something visual, something that everyone could see and be proud of: a city flag.
The Flag Design Contest
Wichita's leaders decided to hold a contest. They invited local people to design a new city flag. A group of artists were chosen to judge the designs. There were also prizes for the winners.
More than 100 designs were sent in. The judges worked hard to choose the best one. Cecil McAlister's design was picked as the winner. He received a grand prize of $40.
On June 14, 1937, Mayor T. Walker Weaver announced the winning design. It became the official flag of Wichita. The next step was to make the flag so everyone could see it.
Making the First Flags
A seamstress named Mary J. Harper was chosen to create the first flags. She was like the Betsy Ross of Wichita. Her job was to sew together the detailed design.
After one day, Harper finished the first flag. She ended up making six flags for the city of Wichita. The very first flag was raised at City Hall on July 23, 1937.
The Flag's Comeback
The Wichita flag has been an official symbol since 1937. But for a long time, not many people in Wichita knew about it. In recent years, that has changed.
People in Wichita are now showing more pride in their city. They are talking about what makes Wichita a great place to live and work. Because of this, the Wichita flag is now seen everywhere. You can spot it at businesses, schools, and in neighborhoods.
Here are some cool facts about the Wichita flag's comeback:
- In 2004, a group called the North American Vexillological Association ranked the Wichita flag. It was ranked the 6th best design out of 150 city flags!
- Parts of the flag's design were used in the crest for a new Navy ship. This ship is called the USS Wichita.
- The flag's popularity has grown a lot on social media. People share images of it on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This happened without any paid ads.
- VIP Wichita, a local magazine, often features the flag. It also shares stories from business leaders who say why they love Wichita.
- Local artists in Wichita are adding the flag to their artwork. You can see it in murals painted on buildings.
- Pictures of the Wichita flag have been shared from many different places. These include other states, countries, and even continents!
- Many local stores now sell items with the Wichita flag on them. You can find everything from socks to skateboards.
- The flag's design is now part of many logos. These logos belong to businesses, events, and groups based in Wichita.
