U.S. Virgin Islands Flag Emoji 🇻🇮

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Flag emojis are unicode symbols, like any other letter or number on your keyboard. This means you can copy and paste the emoji itself into your code, whatever the language (click the button above).

They actually count as two characters: the two-letter country/territory code (the ISO international standard). The unicode and shortcode both represent territory data which devices can interpret and display the emoji.

Territory Code	Unicode	Shortcode
VI	U+1F1FB U+1F1EE	:flag_VI:n:VI:

Emoji shortcodes are used on some platforms as a way for users to type in emojis from the keyboard. If you type the emoji shortcode on Github or Slack, the emoji will appear.

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Description

The flag of the U.S. Virgin Islands features a simplified version of the Great Seal of the United States between the letters V and I on a white background. The eagle holds a sprig of laurel in one talon and three blue arrows in the other, representing the three major islands: Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. The flag was adopted in 1921 and reflects the territory’s ties to the United States.

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In the Capital

CHARLOTTE AMALIE WEATHER

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A printable version of the U.S. Virgin Islands flag is coming soon. Check back later or browse other flags.

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Flag History of the United States Virgin Islands

The flag of the United States Virgin Islands represents a unique chapter in the territory’s complex colonial heritage, designed specifically to honor its transition to American sovereignty. Though the islands have a long history under multiple European powers, the current flag design dates to just four years after the United States’ historic acquisition of the territory from Denmark in 1917, and it remains a powerful symbol of the islands’ place within the American political system.

Colonial Heritage and the 1917 Acquisition

Before the creation of the distinctive U.S. Virgin Islands flag, the territory existed under Danish colonial rule for nearly two centuries. When the islands were originally claimed by Spain in the 15th century, they subsequently passed through the hands of the Dutch, French, and British colonial powers. By the 19th century, the Danish Danish West Indies controlled the three main islands: Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. This colonial period lasted until March 31, 1917, when the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25,000,000 in gold—a strategic acquisition aimed at strengthening American naval presence in the Caribbean during World War I. The transfer ceremony, held simultaneously on Saint Thomas and Saint Croix at 4:00 in the afternoon, featured the solemn lowering of the Danish flag and the raising of the American flag, an event that is now commemorated annually as Transfer Day on March 31st.

The Design Origins and Creation

Four years after the American acquisition, the need for a distinctive territorial flag became apparent. In 1921, Rear Admiral Sumner Ely Wetmore Kittelle, who had been sworn in as governor of the islands on April 26, 1921, recognized the importance of creating a symbol that would represent the territory’s new identity. Governor Kittelle approached a cartoonist named Percival Wilson Sparks, asking him to design a flag that would appropriately reflect the character of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sparks, an artist with skills in graphic design, drew up a design inspired by the Great Seal of the United States, creating a simplified version that would be uniquely suited to the territory. After Sparks transferred his design onto heavy cotton material, he entrusted its creation to his wife, Grace Sparks, and her sister, Blanche Joseph, who carefully embroidered this first official flag by hand. The flag was officially adopted on May 17, 1921, marking an important moment in the islands’ post-colonial development.

Design Elements and Their Symbolism

The flag’s composition is both elegant and deeply symbolic, incorporating elements that speak to the islands’ geography, governance, and aspirations. The flag features a white field centered with a striking yellow eagle—a simplified version of the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. This eagle directly represents American sovereignty and the islands’ status as part of the United States of America. On either side of the eagle appear the blue capital letters “V” and “I,” clearly identifying the territory as the Virgin Islands.

The eagle itself is rendered in gold or yellow, a choice that carries symbolic weight. In one talon, the eagle holds a sprig of green laurel, a symbol with ancient roots representing victory, peace, and honor. This element speaks to the values the new territorial government hoped to embody. In the other talon, the eagle grasps three blue arrows—a deliberate modification of the eagle on the Great Seal of the United States, which traditionally holds thirteen arrows representing the original states. The three arrows on the Virgin Islands flag represent the three major islands that comprise the territory: Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. This was a crucial design choice, as it specifically acknowledges the unique geographic and political composition of the territory rather than simply copying the national seal.

The eagle’s breast displays a shield featuring a blue chief—the upper portion—and below it, thirteen alternating red and white stripes, connecting the design back to the heraldic traditions of the American flag and national identity.

Color Symbolism

The color palette of the flag carries specific meaning beyond mere aesthetics. The white background represents peace and purity, essential virtues for a newly formed territorial administration. The yellow or gold of the eagle symbolizes the wealth and resources of the islands, reflecting hopes for economic prosperity. The blue of the letters “V” and “I,” as well as the arrows and upper shield, represents the sky above the islands and the surrounding waters of the Caribbean Sea—the defining geographic feature of the territory. The green of the laurel branch emphasizes the natural beauty and vegetation of the islands, connecting the flag to the lush landscape that characterizes Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. Together, these colors create a visual representation of the territory itself: its natural environment, its aspirations, and its relationship to the broader American nation.

A Symbol That Has Endured

Notably, the flag design adopted on May 17, 1921, has remained unchanged for over a century, demonstrating its successful resonance with the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unlike many flags that undergo modifications or complete redesigns as territories or nations evolve, the Virgin Islands flag has proven its staying power and has become deeply embedded in the territory’s identity. It appears on government buildings, in official ceremonies, in educational institutions, and in the hearts of residents who view it as representing their unique place within the American system while celebrating their distinctive island heritage.

The flag stands as a testament to the collaborative effort of Governor Kittelle, the artistic vision of Percival Wilson Sparks, and the careful craftsmanship of Grace Sparks and Blanche Joseph. What began as a practical need—to establish a visual symbol for a newly acquired American territory—evolved into a design of genuine artistic merit and symbolic depth. The flag represents not merely a political relationship, but also the geographic identity of three Caribbean islands and the hopes of their inhabitants for peace, prosperity, and a meaningful place within a larger national framework.

3D Glossy Render — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands as a photorealistic 3D render. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag fabric hangs or drapes naturally but preserves exact proportions, colors, and all symbols perfectly — completely faithful to the real U.S. Virgin Islands flag. Dramatic studio lighting, glossy silk material, soft shadows, subsurface scattering, perfect specular highlights. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Chalk on Blackboard — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands drawn in chalk on a real blackboard. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Authentic blackboard — dark slate green surface with chalk dust and smudge marks. Soft, dusty white and colored chalk lines, imperfect edges, hand-drawn quality. Chalk dust particles visible in the air. The flag is immediately recognizable. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Embroidered Textile — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands as intricate embroidery on linen fabric. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Dense satin stitches, French knots, chain stitch detail. The flag design is completely faithful — exact colors, geometry, and all symbols faithfully stitched, immediately recognizable as the U.S. Virgin Islands flag. Visible thread texture, dimensional quality, warm handcrafted feel. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Flagpole in Capital — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Photorealistic photograph of the U.S. Virgin Islands flag flying on a tall flagpole in front of an iconic government building in the capital city. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag ripples naturally in the wind, colors vivid and exact. Documentary photography style, sharp and realistic. Grand architecture in the background. Blue sky, dramatic clouds. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Golden Hour Reflection — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Photorealistic photograph of the U.S. Virgin Islands flag reflected in still water at golden hour. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag flies on a pole at the water’s edge, its reflection shimmering on the surface below. Warm amber and orange sunset light. The flag colors and design are faithful and vivid. Serene, cinematic landscape photography. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Street Art / Graffiti — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands as vibrant street art spray-painted on a brick wall. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Bold spray paint, dripping edges, stencil layers, overspray halos. The flag design is faithful and immediately recognizable — exact colors and symbols, just rendered in spray paint on urban concrete. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind. No tags, no graffiti lettering.

Sci-Fi Hologram — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands projected as a futuristic holographic display. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Translucent blue-white projection with scan lines, floating in dark space. Glitching edges, particle effects, data streams. The flag design is completely faithful and recognizable. Cyberpunk HUD elements framing the projection. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Hyperrealistic Wind — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Ultra-hyperrealistic photograph of the U.S. Virgin Islands flag caught in a dramatic gust of wind. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Macro-level fabric detail — individual threads visible, fabric folds and tension lines crisp. Colors and design completely faithful to the real U.S. Virgin Islands flag. High-speed shutter, razor-sharp focus, studio lighting. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Impressionist Oil — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands painted in French Impressionist oil on canvas. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Thick impasto brushstrokes, dappled light, vibrant broken color technique in the style of Monet. The flag is instantly recognizable — colors and design faithful to the real U.S. Virgin Islands flag, interpreted with impressionist light and texture. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Lego Bricks — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands built from Lego bricks, photographed as a real physical construction. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Visible studs and brick seams, slight plastic sheen. Standard Lego colors approximate the flag’s palette. Built on a gray Lego baseplate. Dramatic angle showing the three-dimensional brick texture. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Low-Poly Geometric — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands constructed from low-polygon geometric triangles. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Aggressively faceted — each region broken into many visible triangular faces with subtle color variation across each polygon, creating real depth and dimensionality even in flat-color areas of the flag. Crystal-like, contemporary computational design. The flag is completely faithful and immediately recognizable. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Mosaic Tiles — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands assembled as a Roman-style mosaic. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag is completely faithful to the real U.S. Virgin Islands flag — exact proportions, colors, and all symbols, rendered in thousands of small stone and glass tesserae. Visible grout lines, rich earthy tones mixed with brilliant glass, slight historical weathering. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Native Landscape — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Photorealistic photograph of the U.S. Virgin Islands flag flying in an iconic natural landscape native to U.S. Virgin Islands — the terrain, flora, and environment characteristic of that country. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag is prominent and its colors are faithful and vivid. Remote, uninhabited wilderness. National Geographic photography style. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Neon Sign — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands recreated as a real neon sign mounted on a dark wall. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Glowing glass neon tubes bent into the flag’s shapes — the colors of the flag rendered in actual neon light. Visible glass tube bends, metal mounting brackets on the wall. Warm neon glow and light bloom. Real neon, not digital. Photographed in a dark room. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Pencil Sketch — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands as a bold, confident pencil sketch. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Strong graphite lines on cream paper — not delicate but bold and decisive. Heavy pressure on key outlines, dramatic cross-hatching for deep shadows and shading. Immediately recognizable as the U.S. Virgin Islands flag. Artist’s confident hand, not tentative. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Pixel Art — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands as detailed 16-bit pixel art. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Crisp pixel grid, limited palette with careful dithering, nostalgic retro game aesthetic. Clean grid-aligned design with subtle shading. Every element of the flag faithfully reproduced in pixels. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Stained Glass — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands rendered as an ornate stained glass window. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The design is completely faithful to the real U.S. Virgin Islands flag — exact colors, geometry, and all symbols preserved. Brilliant jewel-toned glass pieces separated by dark lead came lines. Warm sunlight streaming through, casting colored light. Gothic cathedral craftsmanship. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Ukiyo-e Woodblock — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands as a traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Bold outlines, flat areas of rich color, flowing organic forms. Wind and waves incorporated into the composition. Printed on washi paper with visible wood grain texture. The flag is the central focus and instantly recognizable. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

Vintage Postage Stamp — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands as a vintage 1950s postage stamp. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag fills most of the stamp — it is the primary subject, faithfully rendered in fine engraved intaglio style. Perforated edges, aged paper with slight foxing. The stamp may show a denomination numeral only — absolutely no other text or country names.

Watercolor — White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. The flag of U.S. Virgin Islands painted in loose, expressive watercolor. White field with a modified U.S. coat of arms (eagle with shield) between the letters V and I in blue. Wet-on-wet technique with soft color bleeds, visible brushstrokes, natural paper texture. Delicate splashes and drips at the edges. Luminous, translucent layers of pigment. No text, no letters, no words, no writing of any kind.

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Flag History of the United States Virgin Islands

The flag of the United States Virgin Islands represents a unique chapter in the territory’s complex colonial heritage, designed specifically to honor its transition to American sovereignty. Though the islands have a long history under multiple European powers, the current flag design dates to just four years after the United States’ historic acquisition of the territory from Denmark in 1917, and it remains a powerful symbol of the islands’ place within the American political system.

Colonial Heritage and the 1917 Acquisition

Before the creation of the distinctive U.S. Virgin Islands flag, the territory existed under Danish colonial rule for nearly two centuries. When the islands were originally claimed by Spain in the 15th century, they subsequently passed through the hands of the Dutch, French, and British colonial powers. By the 19th century, the Danish Danish West Indies controlled the three main islands: Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. This colonial period lasted until March 31, 1917, when the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25,000,000 in gold—a strategic acquisition aimed at strengthening American naval presence in the Caribbean during World War I. The transfer ceremony, held simultaneously on Saint Thomas and Saint Croix at 4:00 in the afternoon, featured the solemn lowering of the Danish flag and the raising of the American flag, an event that is now commemorated annually as Transfer Day on March 31st.

The Design Origins and Creation

Four years after the American acquisition, the need for a distinctive territorial flag became apparent. In 1921, Rear Admiral Sumner Ely Wetmore Kittelle, who had been sworn in as governor of the islands on April 26, 1921, recognized the importance of creating a symbol that would represent the territory’s new identity. Governor Kittelle approached a cartoonist named Percival Wilson Sparks, asking him to design a flag that would appropriately reflect the character of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sparks, an artist with skills in graphic design, drew up a design inspired by the Great Seal of the United States, creating a simplified version that would be uniquely suited to the territory. After Sparks transferred his design onto heavy cotton material, he entrusted its creation to his wife, Grace Sparks, and her sister, Blanche Joseph, who carefully embroidered this first official flag by hand. The flag was officially adopted on May 17, 1921, marking an important moment in the islands’ post-colonial development.

Design Elements and Their Symbolism

The flag’s composition is both elegant and deeply symbolic, incorporating elements that speak to the islands’ geography, governance, and aspirations. The flag features a white field centered with a striking yellow eagle—a simplified version of the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. This eagle directly represents American sovereignty and the islands’ status as part of the United States of America. On either side of the eagle appear the blue capital letters “V” and “I,” clearly identifying the territory as the Virgin Islands.

The eagle itself is rendered in gold or yellow, a choice that carries symbolic weight. In one talon, the eagle holds a sprig of green laurel, a symbol with ancient roots representing victory, peace, and honor. This element speaks to the values the new territorial government hoped to embody. In the other talon, the eagle grasps three blue arrows—a deliberate modification of the eagle on the Great Seal of the United States, which traditionally holds thirteen arrows representing the original states. The three arrows on the Virgin Islands flag represent the three major islands that comprise the territory: Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. This was a crucial design choice, as it specifically acknowledges the unique geographic and political composition of the territory rather than simply copying the national seal.

The eagle’s breast displays a shield featuring a blue chief—the upper portion—and below it, thirteen alternating red and white stripes, connecting the design back to the heraldic traditions of the American flag and national identity.

Color Symbolism

The color palette of the flag carries specific meaning beyond mere aesthetics. The white background represents peace and purity, essential virtues for a newly formed territorial administration. The yellow or gold of the eagle symbolizes the wealth and resources of the islands, reflecting hopes for economic prosperity. The blue of the letters “V” and “I,” as well as the arrows and upper shield, represents the sky above the islands and the surrounding waters of the Caribbean Sea—the defining geographic feature of the territory. The green of the laurel branch emphasizes the natural beauty and vegetation of the islands, connecting the flag to the lush landscape that characterizes Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. Together, these colors create a visual representation of the territory itself: its natural environment, its aspirations, and its relationship to the broader American nation.

A Symbol That Has Endured

Notably, the flag design adopted on May 17, 1921, has remained unchanged for over a century, demonstrating its successful resonance with the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unlike many flags that undergo modifications or complete redesigns as territories or nations evolve, the Virgin Islands flag has proven its staying power and has become deeply embedded in the territory’s identity. It appears on government buildings, in official ceremonies, in educational institutions, and in the hearts of residents who view it as representing their unique place within the American system while celebrating their distinctive island heritage.

The flag stands as a testament to the collaborative effort of Governor Kittelle, the artistic vision of Percival Wilson Sparks, and the careful craftsmanship of Grace Sparks and Blanche Joseph. What began as a practical need—to establish a visual symbol for a newly acquired American territory—evolved into a design of genuine artistic merit and symbolic depth. The flag represents not merely a political relationship, but also the geographic identity of three Caribbean islands and the hopes of their inhabitants for peace, prosperity, and a meaningful place within a larger national framework.