Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement seeking more submissions for new state flag

The Utah State Capitol building in Salt Lake City. Photo: TownLift // Bailey Edelstein

PARK CITY, Utah — Back in January, Gov. Spencer J. Cox issued a statewide initiative entitled, “More than a Flag”, which calls upon Utah’s residents to contribute in the creation of a new state flag. With the deadline to submit ideas scheduled for April 30, the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement (CCE) is still seeking more submissions.

Utah’s original flag was created in 1903 for the St. Louis World’s Fair. Commissioned by former Utah Gov. Heber M. Wells, the Daughters of the American Revolution oversaw the designs and the flag was known as the Governor’s flag until 1911.

Later on, A gold seal was added and the seal was colorized in 1912. The Utah Legislature officially adopted the changes in 1913. However, technically, Utah’s current state flag was officially adopted in 2011 after an error was introduced in 1922 and went unnoticed for 89 years.

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“The 1847 was moved from its correct position right below the word Utah on the shield, to a place below the shield. That has been followed by flag manufacturers ever since, even though it’s incorrect.” Photo: Utah Gov’t.

In 2011, flag expert John Hartvigsen noted that, “The 1847 was moved from its correct position right below the word Utah on the shield, to a place below the shield. That has been followed by flag manufacturers ever since, even though it’s incorrect.”

Now, in 2022, Gov. Cox is seeking to update the state’s flag and collectively choose a flag that represents the state and its citizens for who they are today.

“More than a Flag is an opportunity to think about what unites us — as Utahns,” Cox said. “I believe this conversation can help us come together. A new flag can help us reframe our ideas of what’s important — and to remind us that our state’s greatest days are still ahead.”

As it currently stands, the CCE has received more than 1,700 submissions for the new flag from the public. However, individuals can still submit themes and ideas until April 30.

Once all submissions have been collected, the design committee and Utah state task force will decide on the adoption of a new flag for the state in September.

A link to the submission form can be found here.