District of Columbia's Flag History

The District of Columbia, being without either local or self government, was very slow to develop a seal or flag. The first seal, designed in 1871 by the Legislative Assembly of the District, included representations of the Capitol building, the American eagle, the figure of Justice, and George Washington. Over the next number of years, several unofficial flags were flown displaying the seal. In 1920, a commission was established to choose a unique design for the flag of the District of Columbia. Under the guidance of A.E. Dubois, the final design was approved on October 15, 1938 and is based on the shield from the coat of arms used by the Washington family.

Link here to the District of Columbia (Washington DC) Historical Society for facts, figures, and history of District of Columbia (Washington DC).