Americans have flown many different flags over the country’s history. The most well-known is the 50-star flag, but there have been 27 official versions of the U.S. national flag as states joined the union. Each flag represents an important part of the growth and development of the United States.
In this article, we will examine the different flags that have served as symbols of America, from the early days of the Revolution to the present. We will look at when each flag was used, how many stars and stripes it had, and what each flag signified. Understanding the different American flags provides insight into the history and ongoing evolution of the United States.
The First Official U.S. Flag – The Betsy Ross Flag
The very first official flag of the United States is known as the Betsy Ross flag. This 13-star flag was in use from 1777 to 1795 and represents the original 13 American colonies that declared independence from Great Britain.
| Name | Year Created | Number of Stars | Number of Stripes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betsy Ross flag | 1777 | 13 | 13 |
The Betsy Ross story recounts that she was hired by the Congressional Committee to design and sew the first flag. Historians still debate this legend, but regardless of who actually designed it, this 13-star, 13-stripe flag became the standard for American ships starting in 1777. Each star and stripe represents one of the original colonies that gained independence and joined together to form a new nation.
Flags of the United States from 1795-1818 – Growing Stripes
In 1794, Congress passed the Flag Act which changed the flag design to 15 stars and 15 stripes to reflect the addition of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. These flags were used from 1795 until 1818.
| Name | Year Created | Number of Stars | Number of Stripes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Star Flag | 1795 | 15 | 15 |
| 20 Star Flag | 1818 | 20 | 13 |
It became obvious that the number of stripes would get too high if they continued to represent all the states. So in 1818 Congress passed a law stipulating that the number of stripes would remain at 13 to honor the original colonies, and only the number of stars would change to acknowledge new states.
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag – 15 Stars and 15 Stripes
The 15-star, 15-stripe flag is one of the most famous early American flags. This was the flag that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The massive garrison flag that flew through the night during the Battle of Baltimore measured 42 feet by 30 feet with 15-foot-tall stripes. Today this iconic flag design represents the courage and resilience of the young United States defending itself in the War of 1812 against the British, a major military superpower at the time.
Evolution of the U.S. Flag from 1818 to Today
Since 1818, a new star has been added to the U.S. flag every time a new state joined the union. Congress decides the arrangement of the stars. The current 50-star flag has been in use since 1960 after Hawaii became the 50th state in August 1959.
| Name | Year Adopted | Number of Stars | Number of Stripes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Star Flag | 1822 | 23 | 13 |
| 31 Star Flag | 1851 | 31 | 13 |
| 36 Star Flag | 1865 | 36 | 13 |
| 48 Star Flag | 1912 | 48 | 13 |
| 49 Star Flag | 1959 | 49 | 13 |
| 50 Star Flag | 1960-present | 50 | 13 |
The 50-star American flag has been in use for over 60 years, longer than any previous U.S. flag. However, there have been efforts and political movements over the decades to add a 51st star for proposed states like Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and others. It remains to be seen if and when the flag will change again to add another star.
Other Notable American Flags
In addition to the national flags marking each U.S. state, there are other notable American flags throughout history.
Bennington Flag: This flag is thought to have been carried by American soldiers at the Battle of Bennington in 1777. The unusual arrangement of 13 alternating red and white stripes and a blue canton with 13 white stars is unique among U.S. colonial flags.
Gadsden Flag: This flag from 1775 portrays a coiled rattlesnake over the phrase “Don’t Tread On Me.” It was displayed on ships and used as the personal standard by Lt. General Christopher Gadsden during the Revolutionary War. Later it became associated with the Tea Party Movement and Libertarianism.
Texas Flag: Adopted in 1839, the iconic “Lone Star Flag” served as the emblem of the Republic of Texas when it was an independent nation from 1836 to 1846 before joining the United States. Today it continues to signify the state of Texas with its single blue star.
POW/MIA Flag: This black and white flag depicting a POW silhouette was created in 1971 during the Vietnam War to recognize prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. In 1989 Congress designated it as a symbol to honor America’s POWs and MIAs.
Conclusion
The American flag has evolved through 27 different versions over the past 246 years, changing as the country expanded westward and added new states to the union. The freedom and patriotism embodied in the Stars and Stripes will likely inspire more changes and redesigns in the future. As the United States marches through the 21st century and beyond, the flag will continue adapting as a symbol of national unity through each chapter of American history.
