Living in the Buckeye State is an incredibly unique experience. Did you know, for example, that Ohio is home to the only non-rectangular state flag in the U.S.? That’s right: the state flag of Ohio has what’s known as a swallow-tailed burgee, and not the traditional rectangular shape of the other states. Here’s more on the fascinating history behind Ohio’s state flag.

Whether you're a lifelong resident of the Buckeye State or vaguely familiar with state trivia, Ohio's flag will appear at least somewhat familiar.
Firesign / flickr
But take a closer look; you'll see that the shape is a bit peculiar. Rather than the traditional rectangular shape of every other U.S. state, the state flag of Ohio is swallow-tailed.
J. Stephen Conn / flickr
Ohio took 100 years to come up with its state flag, whose unique make-up is attributed to John Eisenmann, the designer for the Ohio State Pan-American Exposition Commission.
Douglas Sacha / Getty Images

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Like all state flags, there is much symbolism embedded in Ohio's flag.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Upon presenting the flag in 1906, Eisenmann noted, "The triangles formed by the main lines of the flag represent the hills and valleys as typified in the State Seal, and the stripes the roads and waterways."
There are also specific rules and regulations regarding how to properly display the Ohio flag when it appears with other state flags and the flag of the United States.
Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin) / Getty Images
So the next time you spot the state flag of Ohio displayed majestically, you can take pride in knowing just how special it is!
Douglas Sacha / Getty Images

Did you know this interesting bit of trivia about the Buckeye State’s flag? If not, were you surprised? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For even more state trivia, check out these 18 things you probably didn’t know about Ohio.

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