Atlanta’s City Flag: History, Meaning, and How You’ll See It Around the City

The Atlanta city flag is more than just a symbol on a pole—it reflects how the city sees itself: rising, rebuilding, and constantly growing. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are just curious about local civic symbols, understanding the flag helps you see the city in a new way.

Below is a practical guide to the Atlanta city flag, what it represents, how it’s used, and how it fits into Atlanta’s civic identity today.

What the Atlanta City Flag Looks Like

The current design

Atlanta’s official city flag is built around one powerful image: a phoenix rising from flames.

The flag features:

• A deep blue background (field)
• A circular gold seal in the center
• Inside the seal: a phoenix rising from fire
• The word “RESURGENS” above the phoenix
• The dates “1847” (Atlanta’s incorporation) and “1865” (post–Civil War rebirth) below

The contrast of blue and gold gives the flag a clean, bold look that stands out on a pole, a lapel pin, or behind a podium at City Hall.

Quick reference: Key elements of the Atlanta city flag

The Story Behind the Phoenix and “Resurgens”

Why a phoenix?

Atlanta’s phoenix comes directly from the city’s Civil War history.

In 1864, much of Atlanta was burned and destroyed as Union forces moved through the city. In the decades that followed, Atlanta rebuilt itself as a major economic and transportation center for the Southeast.

The phoenix—a mythical bird that burns and then rises again from its own ashes—became an obvious symbol for that transformation. Over time, it has appeared not only on the city flag but also:

• In public artwork around downtown
• On monuments and plaques near the State Capitol
• In logos and branding used by city departments

When you see the phoenix on the flag, you’re looking at the same symbol that appears throughout Atlanta’s identity as a “city that rose from the ashes.”

The meaning of “Resurgens”

The word “RESURGENS” is Latin for “rising again.”

On the flag, it:

• Reinforces the story of rebirth and rebuilding
• Ties together the two dates shown on the seal
• Serves as an unofficial city motto that connects to Atlanta’s growth, resilience, and ongoing changes

For people who live in Atlanta, “Resurgens” often feels like shorthand for the city’s ability to reinvent itself, from post-war reconstruction to civil rights leadership to its role today in film, technology, and transportation.

A Short History of the Atlanta City Flag

Early versions

Atlanta has not always flown the same city flag.

Earlier designs:

• Used variations of the city seal
• Were less standardized in color and layout
• Often appeared mainly at City Hall, official meetings, and ceremonial events

As the city grew, the need for a more consistent, recognizable city flag increased—especially as Atlanta took on a bigger national profile.

Move toward a modern look

The current flag design is a more modern, cleaned-up presentation of the existing city seal:

• The phoenix and “Resurgens” were already core to Atlanta’s official imagery.
• The flag design focused on making that seal the centerpiece, on a simple blue field.
• This made it easier to reproduce on printed materials, patches, banners, and flags across the city.

While exact redesign timelines can be technical and tied to city ordinances, what matters for most residents and visitors is this:
Today’s flag is the polished, official version of symbols Atlanta has used for decades.

Where You’ll See the Atlanta City Flag in the City

Government buildings and civic spaces

If you want to spot the Atlanta city flag in person, you’ll usually find it:

• Atlanta City Hall – 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

  • In the council chambers
  • In the lobby or near public meeting spaces
  • On flagpoles outside the building

• Atlanta City Hall Annex and satellite offices

• Municipal courtrooms and other city-run facilities

• Behind officials at press conferences or public announcements

In these settings, the city flag is often displayed alongside the U.S. flag and the Georgia state flag.

Parks, civic events, and public ceremonies

The flag may also appear:

• At city-sponsored events in places like Woodruff Park, Piedmont Park, or the CityGreen lawn at City Springs (for regional events involving Atlanta)
• At parades, commemorations, and civic celebrations, especially downtown
• On podiums, banners, or printed programs at official city ceremonies

You’re more likely to notice the flag if you attend:

• Atlanta City Council meetings
• Public hearings or city-led community forums
• Ceremonial events, proclamations, or ribbon-cuttings

On uniforms, vehicles, and printed materials

While not always prominent, the city seal from the flag sometimes appears:

• On city department websites, printed brochures, and letterhead
• On patches or insignia worn by certain city employees
• On signs and official notices posted by departments like Public Works or Planning

How the Atlanta City Flag Compares to Other Flags You See Locally

Side-by-side with the U.S. and Georgia flags

Around Atlanta, you’ll commonly see:

• The United States flag
• The Georgia state flag
• The City of Atlanta flag

They have different roles:

• The U.S. flag represents federal government and national identity.
• The Georgia state flag represents the state’s laws, government, and heritage.
• The Atlanta city flag identifies municipal government and Atlanta’s unique civic identity.

In an official setting, you’ll often see the city flag placed:

1. Next to or slightly below the U.S. flag
2. Alongside the Georgia flag
3. On the same line of poles, but with the U.S. flag in the position of highest honor

This arrangement follows common flag-display practices for government buildings.

Using the Atlanta City Flag as a Resident, Visitor, or Business

Can residents display the Atlanta city flag?

Yes. Residents can display the Atlanta city flag on private property, just like they might display state or national flags.

Common uses include:

• Flying the flag at a home or apartment balcony
• Displaying it inside a business, café, or office that wants to emphasize Atlanta pride
• Incorporating the colors or motif into décor, artwork, or local branding

When using the actual official design (with the seal and “Resurgens”), it’s respectful to:

• Avoid modifying the seal in a way that looks like an official government mark being altered
• Keep the proportions and colors reasonably close to the standard design

Businesses and organizations

Local businesses and nonprofits in Atlanta sometimes:

• Display the city flag for civic pride
• Use Atlanta-themed designs inspired by the phoenix and “Resurgens” language
• Include the city’s symbols in event décor when partnering with city departments

If a business wants to use the official city seal in marketing or product designs, it may need to confirm whether special permissions or guidelines apply. This typically involves checking with the City of Atlanta or reviewing city policies on official seals and logos.

How the Flag Ties into Atlanta’s Identity Today

A symbol of resilience and reinvention

For many people in Atlanta, the flag’s phoenix and “Resurgens” motto still feel relevant. The city continues to:

• Redevelop former industrial areas
• Expand transportation links, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and MARTA
• Host major film productions and cultural events
• Tackle growth, equity, and infrastructure challenges

The flag becomes a visual shorthand for the idea that Atlanta is a place that changes, rebuilds, and keeps moving forward.

Connections to local history and civil rights

Atlanta is deeply tied to:

• The Civil War and Reconstruction era
• The Civil Rights Movement, with landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Ongoing conversations about growth, displacement, and inclusion

While the flag’s main historical reference point is post–Civil War reconstruction, many residents also see the phoenix as a broader symbol of:

• Social progress and transformation
• Communities rebuilding after difficult periods
• The city adapting to new economic and cultural roles

How to Learn More or See the Flag Up Close

If you want a closer connection to the Atlanta city flag and its history, you can:

• Visit Atlanta City Hall

  • Address: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • You can usually see the flag displayed outside and in public areas.

• Explore downtown and nearby civic spaces

  • Look for the phoenix symbol on monuments, plaques, and public art around the Capitol area, Five Points, and the Government District.

• Attend a City Council meeting or public hearing

  • These typically take place at City Hall, where the city flag is prominently displayed, giving you a chance to see it in use during official city business.

For anyone who lives in Atlanta—or is considering moving or visiting—the city flag is a simple but powerful way to understand how Atlanta views its own story: a city that was destroyed, rebuilt, and continues to rise.