How this flag inspired a card game

The flag can be seen in establishments throughout the city. It’s used in logos and street art. It’s worn on the uniforms of our police officers. And, chances are, you probably know someone who has the flag tattooed on themselves.

It’s a flag this city is proud to stand behind. In a review by the North American Vexillological Association of 150 American city flags, the Chicago city flag was ranked second best, behind only the flag of Washington, D.C.

It ranked so well because it has purpose. Purpose and intent in every element of its design. Not to say others don’t, I just….I don’t think Chicago would be the same with something like the Milwaukee flag. Or worse — Pocatello, ID.

Unlike Milwaukee or Pocatello, Chicago didn’t feel the need to put a giant CHICAGO across the flag. It followed some guidelines and opted not to put pictures of flags on its flag — unlike the neighbors to the North.

The Anatomy of the Chicago Flag

There are three major components to the Chicago flag. First, two blue bars. The top bar represents Lake Michigan and the North branch of the Chicago River. The bottom one, the South branch of the Chicago River and the Great Canal.

Second, we have three white bars. These represent the North, West, and South sides of the city.

Finally — we have our four stars and the birth of the Q Cards game.

But what ARE the four stars?

Yes, these are the events that represent each star — but what are they? And are these the only four events that made our city what it is today?

The original flag only had two stars — one for The Great Fire and the other for the World’s Columbian Exposition. In 1933 the city added a new star to mark the Century of Progress Exposition (happening that year). Then in 1939, the Chicago City Council thought, “You know what….we should add a 4th star.”

So they did. Randomly added another star, this time, to represent Fort Dearborn.

And we had it! Our Chicago flag.

One that has stood the test of time for over 80 years.

While the stars represent significant events in our history — what about all these other moments? The other events that shaped our city?

“Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.”

George Santayana

Spanish Philosopher, 1905

Chicago history as a card game

For people who love Chicago, Q Cards challenges you to know when significant historical events occurred. The front of each card shows you the name of an event in Chicago history, while the back reveals the year.

You test your knowledge in multiple gameplay styles. The party game style is demonstrated in the video below.

Future plans for the game include:

• Expansion categories such as beer, sports, music, movies, and food Other cities
• An app to learn more about the events
• Custom decks
• Donation to Chicago Public Schools for each deck purchased

Writing the future of Chicago

I believe the game gives us perspective. That, to understand where we are we need to know where we’ve been. This insight can help us find new ways to fight old fights. That when we realize today’s struggles stretch back decades, maybe….maybe we can find a new way to approach them.

My favorite card in the deck happens to also be the longest. One that forces us to look at today’s landscape and wonder how things could be different.

Maybe standing up and having more of a voice in 1998 could have changed Chicago in 2020. While we can’t rewrite the past, perhaps we can change the future we’re headed towards.