Flag History & Evolution

EVOLUTION OF THE US FLAG

When the United States Flag was first recognized by Congress in 1777, it did not have the familiar thirteen stripes and fifty stars that it does today. Although still red, white, and blue, the Flag had thirteen stars and stripes to represent the original thirteen colonies of the United States. Since the United States’ independence, the national Flag has been revised twenty-seven different times. Each time a state (or states) was added to the union, another star had to be added to the top left corner of the Flag. The most recent version of the Flag was recognized in 1960 when Hawaii became a state. The evolution of the United States Flag is therefore not only a history of an American symbol but the history of this country’s land and people. The Flag is a unifying symbol that binds together Americans from the east to west, north to south. Each state has a star sewn into a blue background that represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The red stripes symbolize valor whereas the white means purity and innocence. Although the design of the US Flag was altered – and may continue to alter – as states were added, the red, white, and blue remains unchanged. These colors represent characteristics of the American people throughout history, across the nation.

View the United States Flag code here.

1777

FIRST U.S. FLAG

The 13 Star Flag became the first official U.S. Flag on June 14, 1777, as a result of an act of Congress. Much evidence points to Congressman Francis Hopkinson for designing the Flag (not Betsy Ross).

1795

15 STAR FLAG

The 15 Star Flag became our official Flag on May 1, 1795, when two stars were added representing Vermont and Kentucky.

1818

OUR THIRD FLAG

The 20 Star Flag saw a return to tradition as Congress decided to return to the thirteen stripes, but added stars for five new states. This Flag was also known as the “Great Star Flag” as the 20 stars were sometimes arranged to form a star.

1851

31 STAR FLAG

Introduced in 1851, this Flag added the state of California and was used for seven short years. Millard Fillmore, James Buchanan, and Franklin Pierce were the only Presidents to serve while the 31 star Flag was used.

1867

37 STAR FLAG

The 37 Star Flag was first used on July 4, 1867. An additional star was added for the state of Nebraska and it was used for ten years.

1896

45 STAR FLAG

In 1896, the 45 Star Flag represented the country with Utah as an official state. This Flag was used for 12 years and saw three Presidents during its use.

1912

48 STAR FLAG

On July 4,1912, the U.S. Flag saw 48 stars with the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. An Executive Order by President Taft established the proportions of the Flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward.

1960

50 STAR FLAG

Our modern day Flag was first introduced in 1960 when Hawaii was added as an official state and has been our nation’s symbol for over 50 years. It has seen eleven Presidents so far.

MOMENTS IN FLAG HISTORY

The Flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom and patriotism. Though the design of the Flag has been portrayed differently, the stars and stripes have been a constant companion throughout America’s lifetime.

The Flag of the United States often flies most prominently during times of national crisis and mourning. Since our struggle during the Revolutionary War, the Flag has served as a symbol of unity which has galvanized an injured nation during times of conflict, such as the War of 1812, the First and Second World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. The Flag also worked as a symbol of union during periods of tragedy such as during 9/11.

We have also seen the Flag as a rallying cry during periods of national celebration. The moon landing in 1969 was among America’s greatest accomplishments, and one of the most famous images of that event is of the Flag of the United States being planted on the moon’s rocky surface.

Today, the Flag still carries its weight as a symbol of unity and freedom. Only time will tell what future events will become moments in Flag history.

1776

A NATION AND SYMBOL BORN

By 1776, the Thirteen Colonies had been in a gruesome year-long war with Britain. When the Declaration of Independence was signed in July of that year, its inception marked the birth of our nation. The Thirteen Colonies, now with a strong voice and determination, used the Flag as a new symbol. It is one that is still used to this day — a symbol of freedom and the people’s will to overcome.

1812

THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

1812 was the year that Fort McHenry was bombarded and with its fall, rose a significant piece of American literature and symbol of pride. A young lawyer by the name of Francis Scott Key was on a nearby truce ship when he witnessed the attack on McHenry. Although there was great despair over this defeat, Francis Scott Key, and many in his company, found the American Flag still intact. He was so overcome by this symbol of hope that he penned the Star-Spangled Banner.

1918

PLAYING OF THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER BEFORE THE WORLD SERIES

While the Star-Spangled Banner had been written over 100 years before the World Series of 1918, it was then when it was sung for the first time. A band played the Star-Spangled Banner during the seventh inning of game one. The crowd, standing with their hands over their hearts, sang in unison. This marked the beginning of a tradition that is still held to this day.

1945

U.S FLAG RAISED ON IWO JIMA

World War II is a significant time period in the history of the United States. The bloodshed left an imprint in the hearts of those at home and abroad. Before the end of the war in 1945, however, the American people were awarded with a image of hope and strength. The capture of Iwo Jima is one of the most recognized events in the World War II timeline. Two Flags were raised and waved proudly at the top of Mount Suribachi. Later in the day, the Flag was replaced with a larger Flag. The infamous photograph was the inspiration for the Iwo Jima Monument in Washington.

1963

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) proudly stood at the Lincoln Monument and gave the famous, “I Have a Dream Speech.” Over 250,000 civil rights supporters gathered together to hear MLK deliver one of the most powerful literary works in American history. His words paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement and voiced the heart of a hurting people. To his right, the American Flag waved in the open air as his passion washed over the United States.

1969

THE MOON LANDING

History was made on July 20, 1969, when Buzz Aldrin, one of several Apollo 11 crew members, landed on the Moon and raised the American Flag. Prior to the mission, the Flag was purchased at Sears and was sprayed with starch so that the Flag would appear to be flying straight. This simple act of pride has been a significant and fun moment in history.

1976

RICK MONDAY MAKES THE BEST CATCH OF HIS LIFE

It was 1976 and the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs were in the midst of a final game in the early-series at Dodger Stadium when two men ran onto the field. Cubs player Rick Monday ran towards the men who were attempting to burn the American Flag. Monday swiped the Flag from the men’s grasp and carried it to safety. Later, when asked about his brave rescue, Monday stated that his act was a duty to respect the symbol of his country and the people who fought to keep it free.

1980

THE MIRACLE ON ICE

The 1980 Winter Olympics took place during the Cold War. At this time, the Soviet Union hockey team reigned over the rink with a winning streak of three consecutive olympics. American coach, Herb Brooks, took a leap of faith when he created a team of amateur players and put them on the ice. The U.S. team defeated the Soviet Union, 4-3. This win was dubbed the Miracle on Ice. As the men celebrated their victory, the American Flag was proudly waved around the rink and reminded us that anything is possible.

2001

RAISING THE FLAG AT GROUND ZERO

September 11, 2001, was a time of great mourning in the United States. The World Trade Centers fell after a terrorist attack and two other planes crashed — one in the Pentagon and the other in a field in Pennsylvania. This wound in our nation’s side left the country in a place of grief and sadness. Just hours after the second World Trade Center collapsed, a Flag found in the rubble was raised at Ground Zero by three firefighters. The act was captured by Thomas Franklin and remains one of the most prominent photographs in American history.

Present

A CONTINUOUS SYMBOL OF FREEDOM

The Flag is much more than the material that binds us to it, it is a living symbol of our nation’s greatest victories and darkest struggles. Sown in between each thread of red, white, and blue lives the blood, sweat, and tears that went into making the United States the great nation that it is.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
STORIES TO SHARE?