MAY 16, 2025 — After months of deliberation, the City of Douglas in Arizona has officially adopted a new municipal flag, according to the Sierra Vista Herald.
Approved by the City Council during a public meeting, the chosen flag, referred to as design 1B (pictured, the aspect ratio and colors are approximations), features a densely layered composition of symbols representing Douglas’s past and present.
It was selected following a tie-breaking vote that included audience participation, reflecting the city’s effort to include community voices in the design process.
The winning design was submitted by city activity aide Marilyn De La Torre, who had initially offered multiple iterations for council review beginning last December.
Central to the flag are symbols that speak directly to Douglas’s roots, according to a document describing a preliminary design. The outer circle of the crest includes smokestacks, representing the once-thriving copper smelting industry, acknowledge the economic foundation of early 20th-century Douglas. The train references the city’s role in transporting copper ore from the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, a critical development in the city’s early success.
A pine tree represents native flora and continuity, while the creosote bush signifies resilience and local knowledge of desert life. Water droplets allude to monsoon rains, a source of renewal and cultural significance. A guitar illustrates the role of music in community cohesion, and a bulldog, mascot of Douglas High School, reflects local pride and tradition.
The inner circle of the crest includes an airplane modeled after the Emigh Trojan A2, commemorating the city’s historical role as home to the first international airport in the United States. Nearby, a baseball player pays tribute to the 1958 Douglas Copper Kings, whose entire starting lineup famously hit home runs in a single game. Agricultural icons, cow, lamb, and chicken, reinforce Douglas’s ongoing contributions to ranching, while a military helmet honors the city’s veterans. At the bottom, the Gadsden Hotel is featured.
A border motif within the central globe subtly represents the city’s shared boundary with Agua Prieta, Mexico. Two arrows within this globe emphasize Douglas’s identity as a cross-border trade hub. A purple heart symbol marks the city’s geographic location and highlights its designation as a Purple Heart Community.
One element originally proposed was later removed: Native American iconography. According to a memo from De La Torre, approval could not be obtained from the relevant Indian Nation.
In discussing the flag’s symbolism, city officials framed the design as a “visual narrative of Douglas’ unique heritage, values, and enduring community ties.” The final product combines both historic recognition and contemporary civic pride, intending to serve as a lasting emblem for residents and visitors alike.
Image: Sierra Vista Herald
