American Flag History
Origins of the American Flag
The American flag originated during the Revolutionary War as a symbol of independence and national unity. The first Flag Resolution, passed by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, established that the flag would have thirteen stripes alternating red and white, and thirteen stars on a blue field — one for each of the original colonies. June 14 is now observed annually as Flag Day.
Evolution of the Flag's Design
As new states joined the Union, Congress updated the flag to reflect the growing nation. The Flag Act of 1794 added two stars and two stripes for Vermont and Kentucky, producing the fifteen-star, fifteen-stripe flag that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The Flag Act of 1818 returned the design to thirteen stripes — honoring the original colonies — while establishing that one new star would be added on the Fourth of July following each new state's admission. This framework has governed every subsequent version of the flag. In total, the American flag has had 27 official designs.
Meaning Behind the Stars and Stripes
Each element of the flag carries symbolic meaning tied to the nation's founding and structure. The fifty stars represent the fifty states. The thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. The colors carry traditional associations: red for valor and hardiness, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Modern Flag Standards
The current fifty-star flag was adopted on July 4, 1960, following Hawaii's admission to the Union in 1959. Its official proportions and construction specifications are defined by Executive Order 10834, signed by President Eisenhower in 1959. These standards govern how the flag is produced for federal use and ensure consistency across official display contexts.
Related Guides
This guide is part of our Flag History & Symbolism section.