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Art, Culture & Design
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From Vexillological Failure to Inclusive Icon: The Story of Missoula's New Flag
Missoula, Montana, once home to one of America's worst-rated city flags, adopted a new design in 2023. The new flag, based on the Pride Flag, features a central white star, symbolizing the city's identity as a hub of inclusivity, nature, and community in the 'Big Sky' state.
A city's flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it's a visual representation of its identity, its history, and its values. For decades, the flag of Missoula, Montana, represented... well, not much. But in 2023, the city embraced a bold new symbol, one that sends a powerful message of inclusivity and community pride, making waves across the country.
A Vexillological Nightmare: The Old Flag
To understand the significance of the new flag, one must first behold the old one. Adopted in 1985, Missoula's former flag was a textbook example of poor design. It featured the complex city seal, the letter 'M' for the local university, and the words 'MISSOULA, MONTANA' all slapped onto a plain white and blue background. It violated nearly every principle of good flag design, earning it the dubious honor of being ranked the 8th worst city flag in the United States in a 2004 poll by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA). It was often derided as a 'seal on a bedsheet'—uninspired, cluttered, and impossible to recognize from a distance.
From Critique to Creation: The Redesign Process
The movement for a new flag gained momentum over the years, fueled by vexillology enthusiasts and residents who believed their vibrant city deserved a better symbol. In 2022, the Missoula City Council officially formed the City Flag Redesign Committee. Their mission was clear: create a flag that was simple, meaningful, and representative of all Missoulians. After receiving over 200 public submissions, the committee synthesized the best ideas into a final proposed design.
A Beacon of Inclusivity: The New Flag's Meaning
On September 11, 2023, the Missoula City Council officially adopted its new flag, a design that is both visually striking and deeply symbolic. The flag features the six colors of the traditional Pride flag, representing diversity and inclusion. But this isn't just a Pride flag; it's uniquely Missoula's.
At its center is a prominent white, eight-pointed star. This star, known as the 'Missoula Star,' is rich with local meaning. It represents:
- Missoula's historical nickname, the 'Hub of Five Valleys.'
- The city's natural beauty and its connection to the outdoors.
- Its status as the 'Star of the Mountain,' referring to the concrete star on a nearby mountainside.
The rainbow stripes also take on a dual meaning, evoking not only the city's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community but also the iconic beauty of Montana's 'Big Sky.' The result is a flag that is simple, powerful, and instantly recognizable. The public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents expressing a newfound sense of civic pride.
As one commenter online put it, reflecting the feelings of many locals, "As a resident of Missoula, this makes me incredibly proud."
Missoula's new flag is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. It transforms the city's banner from a point of embarrassment to a bold declaration of its core values: inclusivity, community, and a deep connection to the stunning landscape it calls home.