Most Americans recognize the Stars and Stripes and the pride that comes with displaying the nation's red, white, and blue. Far fewer realize that many counties and cities across the country also have their own official flags. As communities celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, these local flags are seeing renewed interest as a way to recognize the unique role counties and communities have played throughout the nation's history.
Several South Dakota counties have adopted county flags over the years. Brown County, home to Aberdeen, adopted an official county flag after sponsoring an art contest in 1987. The winning design, created by then 15-year-old Jason Keeton, features the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue along with a train, symbolizing the county's railroad heritage, and the county's establishment date of 1881.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other counties are embracing the idea for the nation's semiquincentennial. Sully County recently unveiled its own county flag. Neighboring Stanley County or Hughes County do not have an official county flag. However, the Fort Pierre Development Corporation created a special commemorative flag to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.
Sunny Hannum of the Fort Pierre Development Corporation said “We only ordered three and M and R signs in Pierre helped with the design.”
"I gave them a bunch of 250-themed options," said Tyler Prue of M & R Signs in Pierre, who designed the Fort Pierre celebration flag. "The running theme followed the official America 250 logo. We also created street banners for Fort Pierre featuring a bicentennial buffalo."
Prue said he has not heard of many other South Dakota counties creating official county flags.
The Sully County Historical Society began discussing the creation of their own county flag this past winter after South Dakota unveiled its official America 250 celebration flag, featuring the iconic buffalo with the Badlands in the background. The Sully County flag is South Dakota Blue with a black seal and corn fields and cattle. After debate among the board members a consensus was taken that it replicated what Sully County truly represents.
"Farming and ranching is what this county is about," said Nola LaRosh of the Sully County Historical Society, explaining the inspiration behind Sully County's flag.
Only a handful of South Dakota counties currently have official flags. Sully County had one created for the bicentennial but they wanted a new one for this celebration. The new Sully County flag was designed by Troy Fox of Madison with input from members of the Sully County Historical Society. A Sully County native, Fox left Onida in 1999 and has since gone on to create numerous designs and illustrations for the community throughout the years.
ADVERTISEMENT
When asked if he knew of other counties requesting county flags, Fox said he had not.
"I have seen an uptick in other things,” Fox said. “Such as stickers, and decals. Lots of that. Especially the ones that go on the back of cars."
The Sully County Historical Society initially ordered forty flags. Organizations and individuals throughout Sully County preordered the flags, and they have since begun flying them throughout the community.
"Another order is a possibility based on the area's response," said Nola LaRosch of the Sully County Historical Society.
Historical Society Treasurer Lou Robbenolt said the total cost to create the flags was $11,158, while donations totaled more than $22,516. The community support not only covered the cost of the project but also demonstrated the enthusiasm local residents have for commemorating America's 250th anniversary and celebrating Sully County's heritage.