The flag of Chicago has broad blue stripes and four
red
six-pointed stars. Originally the flag had two stars
when it
was adopted in 1917. The white stripes represent the
North, West and South sides of the city. The two blue
stripes represent the two branches of the Chicago River.
The symbolism of the stars is complex. Here is how it
is
described:
The first red star represents Fort Dearborn (added in
1939).
The points of the first red stars
signify:
1. transportation
2. labor
3. commerce
4. finance
5. populousness
6. salubrity
The second red star represents the Great Chicago Fire
of October 8-10, 1871.
The points of the second red star
signify:
1. religion
2. education
3. esthetics
4. justice
5. beneficence
6. civic pride
The third red star represents the World's Columbian Exposition
of 1893.
The points of the third red star signify
history of the area:
1. France 1693
2. Great Britain 1763
3. Virginia 1778
4. Northwest Territory
1798
5. Indian Territory 1802
6. Illinois Statehood
1818
The fourth red star represents the Century of Progress
of 1933 (added in 1933).
The points of the fourth red star
signify:
1. World's Third Largest
City
2. City's Latin Motto
3. I Will Motto
4. Great Central Market
5. Wonder City
6. Convention City