Timeline of the American Flag History
People salute, sing and pledge their allegiance to the American flag on a daily basis. This national symbol of the United States features thirteen horizontal stripes that alternate red with white. The blue rectangle is situated in the union and bears fifty white stars arranged in horizontal rows with alternating rows of six and five stars.
The stars are representations of the 50 states and the British colonies that declared their independence from the British kingdom are represented by the 13 stripes. The flag is commonly referred to by nicknames such as Old Glory. The original design of the flag was retained between 1777 and 1795.
- In 1776 on January 1, the Continental Colors or Grand Union is hoisted and displayed. The location is Prospect Hill and the flag 13 stripes, alternating red and white. In the corner on the upper-left side is the well-known British Union Jack.
- In May 1776 Betsy Ross says that the first flag was sewn by her.
- Another flag consisting of 13 stars with the alternating row of 3 and 2 stars is used in 1777.
- In 1794 an Act provides for 15 stripes and stars reflecting Vermont’s and Kentucky’s entry as states.
- Congress passes a plan in 1818 as suggested by Captain Samuel Reid to change the flag to 13 stripes and single stars to represent each state. Additions to the flag were to be made after admitting a new state on July 4.
- In 1912 President Taft’s Executive Order establishes the flag’s proportions and provides for arranging the stars in six rows with eight stars in each horizontal row. One point of every star is to face upward. View the timeline of American flag history
- The flag with 48 stars was used for the second longest period of time between 1912 and 1959.
- In January 1959 the flag has 49 stars. President Eisenhower’s Executive Order provides for arranging seven rows of stars, each with seven stars, staggering horizontally and vertically.
- In August 1959 the flag has 50 stars with President Eisenhower’s other Executive Order that provides for arranging the nine rows of stars that stagger horizontally and eleven vertically staggered rows of stars.
- In 1969 Neil Armstrong places the flag of America on the moon.
Today the American flag is a distinct composition of 13 horizontally aligned stripes that alternate between seven red and six white stripes. The stripes are a representation of the 13 colonies and the 50 states are reflected by the 50 stars. The symbolic colors of the American flag are based on various virtues.
The flag is a popular symbol for citizens of the United States and is widely recognized around the world. Old Glory, as it is fondly referred to, is associated with the bravery and resilience of American soldiers and over 40 years since Neil Armstrong placed it on the moon, it remains unshaken.
The American flag powerfully represents patriotism and the pride of citizens. A proposed flag consisting of 51 stars and different design would be used to accommodate another star to represent the addition of another state.
Brenda Mac is a freelance editor and writer. She has edited and written for different sites for over 5 years. Her hobbies include taking long walks, swimming and cooking. Visit the site to learn more about the timeline of American flag history.