JANUARY 6, 2026 — Commissioners in Jackson County, Ohio, have formally adopted a new county flag on December 30 following a redesign process championed by local volunteer Nicole Havens, says the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership in a Facebook announcement.
The newly unveiled flag incorporates several prominent symbols intended to represent Jackson County’s history, geography, and economy. An amber field is utilized to honour the importance of agriculture, while the blue background is intended to symbolize unity, loyalty, and perseverance. At the flag’s centre, a depiction of a historic iron furnace is included to recognize the iron industry that spurred early growth in the area, situated beside a flowing waterway that represents the streams and rivers that supported early settlers and powered Ohio’s first industry, salt boiling.
Over the fields, a rising sun is positioned over rolling hills, drawing inspiration from the Great Seal of Ohio. This imagery is meant to represent optimism and renewal, referencing the county’s location within the Appalachian foothills and highlighting the region’s natural landscape. Beneath the central elements, a railroad and depot symbolize the importance of transportation and commerce, specifically referencing the historic Wellston & Jackson Belt Railway. The year 1816, the founding year of Jackson County, is also displayed.
Additional local symbols enrich the design, including apples to celebrate the county’s orchard history and the annual Jackson Apple Festival, and acorns to represent the Appalachian hardwood forests critical to the area’s early charcoal iron production and modern forestry industry.
Six labourer silhouettes are featured on the blue field, honouring the men and women who contributed to the county’s development through farming, iron production, coal mining, and other industries. The silhouettes are directly inspired by the original six labourer’s bas reliefs on display at the Markay Cultural Arts Center.
The central design is encircled by a ring containing twelve black stars, one for each of the county’s townships, which are intended to symbolize strength and resilience. Red and white bands surrounding the ring are used to reflect patriotism, sacrifice, and integrity, while also referencing the local Oak Hill Festival of Flags.
The Jackson County Economic Development Partnership concluded its announcement by congratulating Havens, referring to her as Jackson County’s own “Betsy Ross” for the achievement.
Image: Jackson County Economic Development Partnership
