The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. Its history reflects the growth of the United States, from thirteen colonies seeking independence to a nation of fifty states.
The first American flags
Before the United States became an independent country, American colonists used a variety of flags. One important early design was the Grand Union flag, which combined thirteen red and white stripes with the British Union Jack in the canton. It was used by the Continental Army beginning in 1775.
After independence was declared, the new nation needed its own national flag. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Resolution. It established a flag with thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field, representing the thirteen original states.
The Betsy Ross flag
The traditional Betsy Ross flag features thirteen stars arranged in a circle. Betsy Ross is popularly credited with making the first American flag, although historians have found limited evidence confirming that she personally designed or made the first official flag.
The circular arrangement of stars remains one of the most popular historic American flag designs today.
Adding stars as America grew
The original flag had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. As new states joined the Union, additional stars were added.
In 1795, the flag was changed to fifteen stars and fifteen stripes to represent Vermont and Kentucky. Congress later decided that the number of stripes should remain at thirteen, honoring the original colonies. From then on, new states were represented by adding stars.
The flag eventually evolved into today's design of fifty stars and thirteen stripes.
The American flag during the Civil War
The flag became an especially powerful symbol during the Civil War. Both Union soldiers and civilians used the Stars and Stripes to represent the United States and the preservation of the Union.
The flag's symbolism continued to grow after the war as Americans increasingly associated it with national unity.
The flag in the 20th century
The American flag became an important symbol during both World Wars. Soldiers carried it into battle, while flags were displayed throughout communities and workplaces at home.
The famous photograph of American Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima in 1945 became one of the most recognizable images of World War II.
The 50-star American flag
The current American flag was adopted on July 4, 1960, following the admission of Hawaii as the 50th state. It contains 50 white stars representing the states and 13 stripes representing the original colonies.
Today, the American flag is displayed at homes, schools, government buildings, military installations, businesses, sporting events, and ceremonies. For many Americans, it represents freedom, independence, sacrifice, unity, and the history of the United States.
Why the American flag remains important
More than two centuries after the first Flag Resolution, the Stars and Stripes continues to connect Americans with the nation's history. From the thirteen-star flags of the Revolutionary era to today's fifty-star flag, each version tells part of America's story.
The American flag is more than a piece of fabric—it is a lasting symbol of the people, history, and ideals of the United States.