What was the first american flag

The Story Behind the American Flag

You probably know what the American flag looks like today. But did you know that the design of the American flag has evolved over the years? Indeed, it has mirrored political tumult and changes closely throughout the history of the United States.

The first American flag design was approved by Congress on June 14, 1777. It had 13 stripes, which represented the original 13 colonies of the United States. In honor of this day, President Harry Truman made June 14th Flag Day in 1949.

But as the USA rapidly expanded after the colonial period, and as new states were added, the flag had to evolve along with the changing composition of the country. Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed multiple acts that changed the design of the flag to reflect new realities as new states were admitted.

It was too cluttered to add new stripes for every state, so it was decided that the number of stripes would stay the same—13 for the 13 original colonies. The new states would be reflected in the number of stars in the box in the top left corner of the flag.

During the Civil War, the states of the Confederacy stopped flying the American flag and instead designed and flew their own flag, the Confederate Battle Flag.

And did you know that there is a significance to the American colors used in the flag? Red represents hardiness and valor, while white stands for purity and blue for perseverance and justice.

The flag has inspired not only much controversy but also artists, from Jasper Johns to Francis Scott Key, who composed the famous “Star Spangled Banner” after watching the huge 1814 garrison flag survive the shelling of Fort McHenry by the British, which went on for over 24 hours. The flag that inspired Key’s song is under intensive conservation efforts by the National Museum of American History to preserve it.

Americans have also taken their flag abroad and, famously, to outer space; in 1969, Neil Armstrong placed the American flag on the moon. Barry Bishop set the flag on the top of Mt. Everest in 1963, and Robert Peary put it on the North Pole in 1909.

The flag is usually lowered at sunset and often to half-mast when a beloved public figure dies. But there are a few places where the flag always flutters, including the United States Marine Corps War Memorial (better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial) in Arlington, Virginia, and the White House.

So, the next time you see the flag, stop and consider how much history it represents.

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The United States Flag – History & Facts

Growth of the National Flag, 1885.

The flag of the United States of America consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red and white, with a blue rectangle in the upper left-hand corner with 50 white stars that represent the 50 states of the United States. The 13 stripes represent the 13 British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain and became the first states of the nation. Nicknames for the flag include the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and the Star-Spangled Banner.

Before the official American Revolution broke out in 1775, the rebellion against England did not start out as a movement for independence but was a movement to gain seats in Parliament. Over the years, the conflict evolved from protests to a full-blown revolution into a move for independence. During these early days, the colonists didn’t unite under a single flag, but instead, fought under various unit or regimental flags which displayed different designs and words such as “Don’t Tread on Me,” “An Appeal to Heaven”, and “Liberty or Death.”

Grand Union Flag

In June 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and created a united colonial fighting force known as the Continental Army. Soon after, the “Grand Union Flag”, also known as the “Continental Colors”, the “Congress Flag”, the “Cambridge Flag”, and the “First Navy Ensign” was developed which is considered to be the first national flag of the United States of America. This flag displays 13 alternating red and white stripes, representative of the Thirteen Colonies with a square in the upper left corner that featured the flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain. The flag was initially utilized by the Continental Army, the Continental Navy, and a small contingent of Continental Marines. This flag was a sort of compromise between those wanted total independence and those who wanted to see some accommodation with the crown. This flag was used by the Continental military until early 1777.

Birth of Old Glory, Percy Moran, 1917.

In the meantime, on July 4, 1776, congress declared its independence from Great Britain and General George Washington realized that a flag was needed that did not resemble that of the enemy. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing an official flag for the new nation stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Though history books have long told generations that Betsy Ross made the first American flag in 1776 after being asked to do so by George Washington, there is little factual evidence in support of the claim. What is known is that Francis Hopkinson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from the state of New Jersey, submitted a bill to congress stating: “for designing the flag, you owe me two casks of ale.”

In 1870, more than 100 years later, Betsy’s grandson, while addressing a Historic society in Philadelphia, said that his grandmother told him that she met with George Washington and others, and she designed the flag. It is possible that she played a role in the making of the first flag as she was an upholsterer who made flags for the Pennsylvania Navy. Without any documentation — no drawing or written description of the flag, the mystery remains. However, that first flag is often referred to now as “The Betsy Ross” flag.

Star-Spangled Banner Flag

After the Revolutionary War ended, two new states were added to the Union in 1792 — Vermont and Kentucky. At that time, Congress passed a second flag act stating that one stripe and one star would be added to the flag for each new state. This new 15 star and 15 stripe flag became known as The Star-Spangled Banner because while it was flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write our national anthem. However, it didn’t officially become our national anthem until 1931.

After the war, more states joined the Union and the flag design began to get crowded, prompting Congress to pass the third flag act in 1818, which stated that the stripe design would return to the original configuration of 13 alternating stripes of red on white and that one star would be added for each new state.

Though the flag acts were clear as to what was to appear on the flag and the colors that were to be used, the acts had never specified how the stars should be arranged, the number of points that each star should have, or where the blue field should be placed. Because of this lack of clarity, a number of oddly proportioned and interesting flags were made throughout the years.

When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.

For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

Facts About the U.S. Flag

1. Bernard Cigrand, a small-town Wisconsin teacher, originated the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country every June 14, in 1885. That year, he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday. Cigrand, who later changed careers and practiced dentistry in Illinois, continued to promote his concept and advocate respect for the flag throughout his life.

2. It is widely believed that Betsy Ross, who assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents, made the first American flag. However, there is no historical evidence that she contributed to Old Glory’s creation. It was not until her grandson William Canby held an 1870 press conference to recount the story that the American public learned of her possible role. It has since been confirmed that Francis Hopkinson, a delegate from New Jersey who signed the Declaration of Independence, designed the American flag.

3. The lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem since 1931, are taken from a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. His words were set to the tune of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a popular British drinking song.

4. In the 1950s, when it seemed certain that Alaska would be admitted to the Union, designers began retooling the American flag to add a 49th star to the existing 48. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Ohio student named Bob Heft borrowed his mother’s sewing machine, disassembled his family’s 48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in a proportional pattern. He handed in his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well.

Heft also sent the flag to his congressman, Walter Moeller, who presented it to President Eisenhower after both new states joined the Union. Eisenhower selected Heft’s design, and on July 4, 1960, the president and the high school student stood together as the 50-star flag was raised for the first time. Heft’s teacher promptly changed his grade from a B- to an A.

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5. Unlike setting an intact flag on fire, flying one upside-down is not always intended as an act of protest. According to the Flag Code, it can also be an official distress signal.

6. The Flag Code stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding or drapery.

7. The practice of draping coffins in the American flag is not reserved for military veterans and government officials. On the contrary, any burial may incorporate this tradition.

8. Etiquette calls for American flags to be illuminated by sunlight or another light source while on display.

9. During the Vietnam War era, some demonstrators burned American flags as an act of protest. The Flag Protection Act of 1968 was enacted in response, making it illegal to burn or otherwise deface the Stars and Stripes. In two landmark decisions 20 years later, the Supreme Court ruled that the government couldn’t curb individuals’ First Amendment rights by prohibiting desecration of the U.S. flag. Respectful burning of damaged flags according to established protocol has always been acceptable.

10. When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code.

11. When the flags of cities, states, localities or groups are flown on the same staff as the American flag, Old Glory should always be at the peak. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be of equivalent size and flown from separate staffs of the same height.

12. The Flag Code strictly prohibits adding an insignia, drawing or other markings to the Stars and Stripes. Some American politicians have been known to defy this regulation by signing copies of the U.S. flag for their supporters.

13. Ever wondered how to correctly fold an American flag? First, enlist a partner and stand facing each other, each holding both corners of one of the rectangle’s shorter sides. Working together, lift the half of the flag that usually hangs on the bottom over the half that contains the blue field of stars. Next, fold the flag lengthwise a second time so that the stars are visible on the outside. Make a triangular fold at the striped end, bringing one corner up to meet the top edge. Continue to fold the flag in this manner until only a triangle of star-studded blue can be seen.

History of the American Flag

According to popular legend, the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress who was acquainted with George Washington, leader of the Continental Army, and other influential Philadelphians. In May 1776, so the story goes, General Washington and two representatives from the Continental Congress visited Ross at her upholstery shop and showed her a rough design of the flag. Although Washington initially favored using a star with six points, Ross advocated for a five-pointed star, which could be cut with just one quick snip of the scissors, and the gentlemen were won over.

Unfortunately, historians have never been able to verify this charming version of events, although it is known that Ross made flags for the navy of Pennsylvania. The story of Washington’s visit to the flagmaker became popular about the time of the country’s first centennial, after William Canby, a grandson of Ross, told about her role in shaping U.S. history in a speech given at the Philadelphia Historical Society in March 1870.

What is known is that the first unofficial national flag, called the Grand Union Flag or the Continental Colours, was raised at the behest of General Washington near his headquarters outside Boston, Mass., on Jan. 1, 1776. The flag had 13 alternating red and white horizontal stripes and the British Union Flag (a predecessor of the Union Jack) in the canton. Another early flag had a rattlesnake and the motto “Don’t Tread on Me.”

The first official national flag, also known as the Stars and Stripes, was approved by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The blue canton contained 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies, but the layout varied. Although nobody knows for sure who designed the flag, it may have been Continental Congress member Francis Hopkinson.

After Vermont and Kentucky were admitted to the Union in 1791 and 1792, respectively, two more stars and two more stripes were added in 1795. This 15-star, 15-stripe flag was the “star-spangled banner” that inspired lawyer Francis Scott Key to write the poem that later became the U.S. national anthem.

In 1818, after five more states had gained admittance, Congress passed legislation fixing the number of stripes at 13 and requiring that the number of stars equal the number of states. The last new star, bringing the total to 50, was added on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became a state.

Short History of the United States Flag

The current flag of the United States is the twenty-seventh version of the national flag. When the Thirteen Colonies were seceding from the British, there became a necessity for a flag to symbolize the patriot cause and rally individuals for the Revolution.

The first “official” flag was “the Continental Colors,” also known as the “Grand Union Flag,” which consisted of thirteen red and white stripes and the United Kingdom’s flag in the upper-left-hand corner, also known as the canton. It was the same design as the flag for the British East India Company that flew from 1701 to 1801. However, the British East India Company’s flag ranged from nine to thirteen red and white stripes and was usually only flown when it was sailing in the Indian Ocean. The Continental Army flew the flag until 1777.

Colonel William Moultrie commissioned «The Moultrie Flag» in 1775. First «official» flag of the 13 colonies known as «the Continental Colors» or «Grand Union Flag.» «The Gadsden Flag» designed by Christopher Gadsden in 1775.

During this time, other flags were flown to show support for Independence. Christopher Gadsden designed «The Gadsden Flag» in 1775. This flag depicts a rattlesnake with the phrase “DONT TREAD ON ME” in a field of yellow. The Continental Marines used the Gadsden Flag during the early years of the war and the flag still flies today as a sign of American patriotism. Colonel William Moultrie commissioned «The Moultrie Flag» in 1775 to prepare for war with Great Britain. It depicts a white crescent moon with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed within it on a field of navy blue. It was flown during the American victory at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in June 1776.

A popular belief is that Elizabeth Griscom, a Philadelphia flag maker who was also known as Betsy Ross, sewed the first “official” flag in June 1776. The legend goes that George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross came to Betsy Ross’s house to discuss the design of a national flag. The original design had six-sided stars representing the thirteen colonies on a field of blue with red and white stripes. She suggested a five-pointed star. The three men, amazed at how quickly she could cut the five-pointed stars, assigned her with the task of sewing the flag.

This belief originated with William J. Canby, Ross’ grandson. He presented this idea to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 1870 and stated that his aunt Clarissa Sydney Wilson, one of Ross’s daughters, told him the story in 1857. Ross had died twenty years prior. Today, there is no conclusive evidence supporting or denying this claim.

«The Betsy Ross Flag» believed to have been originally designed and sewn by Elizabeth Griscom, known as Betsy Ross.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the first Flag Resolution. This resolution officially adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the national flag and states:

Resolved That the Flag of the united states be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation.

June 14 th is celebrated as Flag Day because of this resolution. Since the resolution did not specify the arrangements of the stars, flags exist with a variety of “constellations.” The “Betsy Ross” flag arranges the stars in a circular pattern.

Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey, claims that he designed the “Stars and Stripes” that was designated as the national flag. The above resolution was adopted from the Marine Committee, who had been using these guidelines for flags since July 4, 1776. Francis Hopkinson was chairman of the Navy Board’s Middle Department which was under the Marine Committee at the time that these guidelines were established in 1776. On May 25, 1780, he requested a quarter cask of wine in payment for his help in designing the national flag and aiding in designing the Great Seal for the United States. After his letter went unanswered, he asked for £2,700. The Auditor General, James Milligan, and the Chamber of Accounts, investigated his claim and noted that Hopkinson was not the only person on the Navy Committee or the three Great Seal committees, so he should not singularly be called out and compensated for his work. There are no surviving illustrations of his design, but the flag most likely has 13 red and white stripes, and 13 six-pointed stars in a field of blue.

This 20 star and 13 stripe flag was used between July 4, 1818 and July 3, 1819. The 15 star and 15 stripe flag was used before the Second Flag Act was signed in 1794.

Congress did not dictate why red, white, and blue were chosen for the flag in their resolution. The only explanation given is from Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress. On 1782, he consolidated the designs and work from the three committees tasked with creating a National Seal. No original design from Thompson exist depicting this consolidated seal, but he wrote a detailed summary including the meanings behind the colors of the United States. He stated:

The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.

In 1794, a second Flag Act was signed. In this resolution, two new stars and two more stripes were added to the design, which symbolized the addition of Vermont and Kentucky into the Union. This flag remained in use even when five more states were added to the Union. In 1818, the third Flag Act was signed that started the precedent of adding another star to the flag after each state’s entrance into the Union. In addition, this act reduced the number of stripes from fifteen to thirteen.

The current flag has fifty stars and has remained unchanged since Alaska and Hawaii entered the Union in 1959 and 1960 respectively. This is the longest-used rendition of the flag.

Current flag of the United States with 50 stars and 13 stripes.