Colfax Gets a New Flag

Community flags are designed to instill a sense of pride and represent the unique identity of a place. Colfax's new community flag can be interpreted in a couple of ways, but both instill a sense of this central Iowa community's identity.

This history of Colfax is inextricably linked to water. Not only does the South Skunk River run through the community, but for over four decades at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, the community was known for its mineral springs. With this significant connection to water, it's not surprising that blue is prominently featured on the flag and that both interpretations of the flag focus on the community's connection to water.

Some see the flag as the sky, the Skunk River, the hill that Colfax is built on, and the spring water beneath the hill. Others see the flag as representing the water of the newly added Quarry Springs Park, the Skunk River, and the water of the historic mineral springs.

The bird in the center of the flag is also connected to the water. The bird, a Western Osprey, has a diet that is almost exclusively fish. Colfax residents and visitors can see numerous hunting ospreys at Quarry Springs Park.

The osprey on the flag is presented in anthracite grey. The dark grey works well with the shades of blue in the flag and is connected to Colfax's history with coal mining.  

Colfax's flag is an ideal example of a community flag that represents the community's unique identity and presents it in a visually appealing way.