The Quilt Star Flag

History

The Quilt Star Flag was designed by Benjamin Logan Wyrosdick in 2023 after more than a year of discussion and contributions from Appalachians across the internet. Throughout a process of comment periods and drafts, the design evolved based on aesthetic principles and community input.

Ultimately, this design was selected from a pool of six finalists through an online vote, with over 300 participants from across the region, receiving an overwhelming majority of votes. To ensure broad accessibility, the design was released under a Creative Commons license and this website was published, allowing all to freely use it.

Color Scheme

• The green represents the lush forests that blanket the ancient mountains and the region’s rural landscape.
• The navy blue symbolizes the soft blue haze that settles over distant ridgelines, a familiar sight on any journey through Appalachia.
• The gold reflects the morning sun spilling over the hills, a nod to the promise of a bright future for those who call these mountains home.
• The off-white of the quilt star motif is inspired by the color of cloth, symbolizing a blank canvas on which every Appalachian can weave their own unique story.
• Together, these elements create a striking representation of the Appalachian landscape, one that is unmistakably and uniquely its own.

Design Elements

• The quilt star, the flag’s namesake, is a cherished symbol in Appalachian arts and crafts, often seen adorning barns and stitched into quilts in many homes. Its inclusion in the flag represents the distinct and resilient Appalachian people. Each rendition of the star is crafted in the artist’s unique style and colors, reflecting the rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that make up the region.
• The flag’s horizontal layout evokes the layered mountain ridges stretching across the horizon.
• The jagged peaks, though not common throughout much of Appalachia, serve as a bold representation of mountains while complementing the geometric design of the quilt star.
• The flowing lines of the rolling hills more closely reflect the true landscape of Appalachia, capturing the gentle, time-worn contours of these ancient mountains.
• Finally, the fragmented colors of the mountain quilt symbolize the region’s deep quilting tradition, reinforcing the idea of Appalachia as a patchwork of interconnected communities and stories.

What was excluded

• This flag intentionally avoids references to ethnicity or race. While certain ethnic groups, such as the Scots-Irish, have played a significant role in Appalachian history, the region is ever-changing, shaped by a diverse array of people, each contributing to its culture and identity in their own way. Including symbols tied to any one background would inherently exclude others. Instead, the flag remains neutral, representing the one thing that unites all Appalachians—the mountains we call home.
• Likewise, the design does not reference political affiliation. While political cultures exist within Appalachia, the region has a complex and varied political history. Including political symbols would only introduce division rather than unity.
• Economic activity is also left out. Though certain industries have historically shaped the region, their impact has been uneven, and they do not represent the full Appalachian experience. The flag aims to reflect the shared identity of the people, rather than the industries that have come and gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the flag represent?

The flag symbolizes the Appalachian region as a whole, focusing on its landscape and cultural heritage rather than any specific ethnicity, political affiliation, or industry. Its colors and design elements reflect the forests, mountains, sunrise, and quilting traditions that are deeply rooted in Appalachian identity.

Is this the official flag of Appalachia?

No, Appalachia does not have an official flag. This design emerged organically as a community symbol created to represent the region and its people.

Is this flag meant to replace a current flag?

Not at all. This is a regional flag meant to complement existing state and national symbols. It serves as a unifying emblem for Appalachians across state lines, celebrating the shared culture and landscape of the region.

Why are the mountains pointy?

The Appalachian Mountains aren’t as sharp or jagged as the Rockies, but the angular peaks in the flag’s design were a deliberate artistic choice influenced by the geometric patterns found in traditional Appalachian quilting. While other designs featuring more rounded hills were considered, this one ultimately resonated most strongly with the community and was chosen as a unifying symbol.

Can I use this design on products or make my own flags? Do I need permission or credit someone?

No permission or credit is required. The design is free to use under a Creative Commons license, ensuring public access for all Appalachians. Copyright restrictions were intentionally avoided, as they would go against the spirit of an open, community-driven symbol. Anyone is welcome to use or share the flag however they wish.