<Tr> <Th> Designed by </Th> <Td> John Eisenmann </Td> </Tr> <P> The Ohio Burgee is the official flag of the U.S. state of Ohio . Ohio's swallowtail flag is the only non-rectangular U.S. state flag . Its red, white, and blue elements symbolize the state's natural features and order of admission into the Union . A prominent disc in the flag's triangular canton is suggestive of the state's name . </P> <P> The flag was designed in 1901 by John Eisenmann for the Pan-American Exposition and adopted in 1902 . Before that, for nearly a century after statehood, Ohio did not have a legally authorized state flag . One unsuccessful proposal called for a design based on the state seal . </P> <P> Ohio has adopted an official salute to the flag and a 17 - step procedure for folding it . The Ohio flag has influenced a number of logos and municipal flags within the state . A scarlet - colored gubernatorial flag is based on the state seal . </P>

Why are there 17 stars on the ohio flag