On this Flag Day, learn about “The Sea Level Flagpole”

Today is national Flag Day, and in recognition of the holiday we set out to seek the backstory to one of the tallest flagpoles in the world.

Calipatria, California. A city that was incorporated in 1918 is the home to what was once the tallest flagpole in the world.

We set out to find out how one of the great treasures of Imperial County came to be.

“I remember helping as a little girl, girl scouts, helping them raise the lights to the flagpole so we can have the tree,” said Linda Hall, Library Assistant.

Linda grew up in Calipat and was able to find a book that helped tell the story of the remarkable flagpole.

Standing at 184 feet the sea level flagpole is said to be the tallest in the world and it’s located right here in our own backyard.

The story of the flagpole dates back to an October night in 1957 when Helen Momita, the wife of a local druggist was killed in a car crash.

The mayor at the time dedicated the flagpole to Momita, but her being a shy person, her husband suggested to dedicate it to “good neighborliness,” and so it was.

“It’s the centerpiece of the city of Calipat, it’s a destination for people to come and see. We have them come by all the time to see it,” said Chris Hall, Fire Chief at Calipatria Fire Department.

“The flagpole does get painted every so often, and it’s, for a small town it’s kind of exciting because you get to watch this guy who is literally climbing up the pole with the harness and everything, and painting the flagpole, it takes him all day,” added Linda Hall.

The sea level flagpole is no longer the tallest flagpole in the world as taller flagpoles have been built since, but it’s believed to be the tallest flagpole west of the Mississippi.