​In 1921 Phoenix was a small city of 48,000 and residents were optimistic about the future. Phoenicians felt they needed a symbol of their prosperity and so the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce conducted a contest to design what would become the official flag of the city of Phoenix. The winning design is a 52 inch by 66 inch rectangle of heavy grade soft blue silk taffeta with an orange fringe. Embroidered in the center is a phoenix bird over a gold flame sunburst background. A white ribbon scroll at the bottom is embroidered with the legend, “City of Phoenix, Arizona”. Back in 1921 the flag cost $175.

At the unveiling of the flag in the Phoenix City Hall Atrium, Mayor Kate Gallego said,
“Just like the Phoenix Rising, our flag is on display again, reminding us of the history of our great city. It’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the City of Phoenix. Our history helps us build and move towards our future.”

The City of Phoenix Official Flag is considered a public record and Phoenix City Clerk Denise Archibald is in charge of taking care of it.

Archibald said, “The City of Phoenix Flag was adopted by ordinance on November 23rd., 1921 and it has been under the care of the city clerk.  We ensure that the flag is kept in a safe and secure environment that’s conducive to its preservation and conservation. Now we are here celebrating the 100-year anniversary of this flag. It will be on display at City Hall in the atrium between November 23rd. and the end of December. Then it will come back to the city clerk for safekeeping. I believe next year we will go ahead and try to maintain the flag, as we usually do, and have some conservation efforts completed on it just to make sure that it’s always preserved and in a good state.”

Much like the mythical Phoenix Bird, the first official city of Phoenix flag has risen again from the dust of time.

“I think the flag is beautiful” said City Clerk Denise Archibald. “The history is rich and we’re just proud to be able to keep it safe and in good condition and will continue to do so for many years to come. I’m just excited that we have this opportunity to celebrate its 100-year anniversary.”