The blue on the American flag is officially called “Old Glory Blue”. This specific shade of dark blue has been associated with the American flag since its early beginnings and has come to symbolize liberty, justice, perseverance, and vigilance.
The History Behind Old Glory Blue
When the first American flag was created in 1777, the Continental Congress did not specify an official shade of blue to use. However, many historians believe the blue was likely based on the shade called “Prussian blue”, a very dark blue color that was popular at the time. As more American flags were made over the years, the exact hue of blue varied depending on the dyes available. By the late 18th century, most American flags used a dark blue shade known as “navy blue.”
Around the time of the War of 1812, a new variety of indigo dye called “English blue” came into widespread use for flags. English blue resulted in a slightly lighter and brighter blue color than navy blue. When an attorney named William Driver received an American flag made with English blue in 1824, he nicknamed the flag “Old Glory.” Driver’s nickname for that particular flag soon came to apply to all American flags of similar shade.
Over the next century, Old Glory blue became ingrained in tradition as the definitive color for the American flag. In 1934, Old Glory blue was standardized by the Color Association of the United States as Dark Blue. The specific hex color code #002868 and Pantone Matching System number 281 C were assigned to accurately define the proper hue.
Symbolism of Old Glory Blue
In addition to its long history with the American flag, Old Glory blue represents several symbolic meanings:
- Liberty – Old Glory blue represents the eternal spirit of liberty passed down through generations.
- Justice – The dark blue evokes vigilance and justice for all Americans.
- Perseverance – Old Glory blue stands for perseverance through any struggle or conflict.
- Vigilance – The unwavering, dark blue calls citizens to be ever vigilant in protecting their rights.
Different shades of blue sometimes represent other meanings in flags around the world. However, in the United States, Old Glory blue is reserved solely for the American flag and all it symbolizes.
Old Glory Blue in the Current American Flag
The 50-star American flag that has been in use since 1960 continues to incorporate the traditional Old Glory blue. The uniform color helps unify the flag’s overall design and hearkens back to earlier versions of the American flag.
However, some slight variations in shade may occur today due to the fabrics and manufacturing methods used:
- Nylon or polyester – Flags made from synthetic fabrics often match Old Glory blue very closely. Manufacturers using Pantone Matching System colors can achieve near-perfect accuracy.
- Cotton – Since cotton is a natural material, dyed cotton flags may show more variation in Old Glory blue hues.
- Hand-dyed – For flags that are dyed by hand, the blue tone depends heavily on the indigo dye batch used.
- Printed – Printed designs on flags may interpret Old Glory blue differently. The printing process makes exact color matching a challenge.
Despite some minor inevitable differences, the essential spirit and message of Old Glory blue persists in today’s flags.
Importance of the Color Old Glory Blue
While many nations use red, white, and blue together in their flags, Old Glory blue stands out as a uniquely American color. Some key reasons this specific shade of blue holds such importance are:
- Consistency – Old Glory blue has been part of the American flag for over 200 years and counting.
- Distinctiveness – The dark blue is easy to discern and recognizably different from other blue flag colors like royal blue.
- Durability – Early dyes like indigo created a resilient, fast color that withstood wear and fading.
- Unity – Old Glory blue unifies all 50 stars and 13 stripes into one American flag.
Over time, Old Glory blue has also been adopted for use in state flags, military flags, and other patriotic symbols beyond just the national flag. Its unique place in American history and culture makes the color a cherished tradition.
Using the Color Old Glory Blue
Today, Old Glory blue continues to be popular not just on flags but for many decorative and commercial purposes. Some common examples include:
- Clothing – Old Glory blue appears on t-shirts, hats, jackets, dresses, and more to show American pride.
- Housewares – Towels, plates, cups, and other household goods feature Old Glory blue accents and American flag motifs.
- Sports uniforms – Teams like the New York Yankees wear Old Glory blue as an homage to the American flag.
- Marketing materials – Brands use Old Glory blue in their advertising and packaging to convey heritage and patriotism.
Digital design tools like color pickers and Pantone swatches allow designers, artists, and manufacturers to accurately recreate Old Glory blue in any medium. As a result, Old Glory blue maintains its visibility and association with the American flag.
Conclusion
Old Glory blue has an illustrious history dating back to the first American flags of the Revolutionary War era. While the exact shade has varied over the centuries, Old Glory blue has proudly represented American ideals like liberty, justice, perseverance, and vigilance. Standardized color definitions now preserve Old Glory blue for continued use in the American flag and national symbols. This distinctive dark blue holds deep meaning and importance in the United States.