What is the origin of the U.S. flag?

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, but it was not until June 14, 1777, with the first Flag Act, that the Continental Congress officially stipulated that the national flag would have thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars in a blue field, symbolizing a new constellation.

Prior to 1777, the colonies and the Continental Army used various flags, including the Grand Union Flag, which featured thirteen red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the canton. This flag was used by George Washington’s army and served as a prominent symbol of the colonies during the early stages of the Revolution. Although often considered the precursor to the modern American flag, it lacked stars.

What are the core design elements of the American flag?

The American flag’s design is characterized by two key features: 13 horizontal stripes alternating red and white, and a blue rectangular emblem adorned with white stars. The stripes symbolize the 13 original colonies that gained independence from Britain during the American Revolutionary War. The blue field at the top right corner features 50 white stars that represent the states of the Union. Historically, an emblem placed in this location is known as a “canton” and often symbolizes national unity.

The Continental Congress’s 1977 Flag Resolution established the first congressional description of the flag. However, the Act did not precisely define the order of the stripe’s colors nor the shape or arrangement of the stars. While numerous theories, legends, and stories exist about the origins of the first U.S. flag design, there is no scholarly consensus regarding who might have been the designer.

What is the Flag Code?

The United States Flag Code outlines essential guidelines for displaying the flag appropriately, such as ensuring it is flown high and illuminated at night. It also emphasizes the importance of treating it with care, avoiding contact with the ground, and refraining from using it as clothing. While many of these guidelines are advisory, the First Amendment plays a crucial role in this context. It protects the right to free speech, which includes the expression of dissenting views about the flag. This means that while the Flag Code encourages respect, individuals are still free to express their opinions, even if they conflict with the guidelines. Here is the full text of the code (as of May 14, 2025): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/681596a376a6412043994971/t/68251caf47e78e6ffde824d1/1747262640545/FlagCodeHouseGov.pdf

What is the symbolic meaning of the flag’s colors - red, white, and blue?

To many, the colors of the American flag hold deep symbolic meaning and represent the nation’s values and heritage. At the time of the adoption of the flag in 1777, the colors red, white, and blue held no official significance. However, in 1782, Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, proposed a seal and explained the colors used therein. Thomson stated that the colors of the pales (the vertical stripes on the shield) were the same as those used in the flag of the United States of America. According to Thomson, white represented purity and innocence, red signified hardiness and valor, and blue represented the color of the Chief, symbolizing vigilance, perseverance, and justice. These interpretations have been widely accepted as official to this day.

What is the “Star Spangled Banner”?

The Star-Spangled Banner holds significant importance as the garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in 1812. Today, that very same flag is displayed in the National Museum of American History.

Inspired by witnessing the same flag flying over the fort in 1814, Francis Scott Key composed the poem “Defense of Fort M’Henry.” Scott’s words were later set to the popular song “To Anacreon in Heaven” by Jon Stafford Smith. In 1931, the song became the national anthem of the United States.

How has the flag changed over time?

Throughout history, the American flag has undergone changes. In 1795, the number of stripes was briefly increased to 15. However, most alterations have been related to the number and arrangement of the stars on the blue field. The current flag design, featuring 50 stars, was adopted in 1960 after Alaska and Hawaii gained statehood.