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The American flag came to be through a resolution by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, which established its design: 13 alternating red and white stripes and a blue field with 13 white stars. Before this official flag, the Grand Union Flag, which featured the British Union Jack in the corner with 13 stripes, was used. While legend credits Betsy Ross with making the first flag, historical evidence points to Francis Hopkinson as the likely designer, though the final form was likely a collaborative effort.   

Early designs and influences

  • Grand Union Flag: 
    This was the first national flag used by the Continental Army, with 13 stripes for the colonies and the British Union Jack representing a desire for reconciliation at the time. 
  • Other Revolutionary Flags: 
    Various other flags were flown during the Revolution, such as the Gadsden flag ("Don't Tread on Me") and the Moultrie flag. 
  • Betsy Ross: 
    While she was a seamstress who made flags for the Pennsylvania Navy, there is no official documentation confirming she designed the first official U.S. flag. Her grandson promoted the story in the late 19th century. 
  • Francis Hopkinson: 
    A delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Hopkinson is credited by many historians with designing the first official U.S. flag. He even submitted a bill to Congress for his design work. 
The official adoption and evolution
  • 1777 Flag Act: 
    On June 14, 1777, Congress passed a resolution to create the official U.S. flag. The 13 stars in the blue field represented a "new constellation" for the new nation. 
  • First Use in Battle: 
    The new flag was first flown in battle on September 11, 1777, at the Battle of the Brandywine. 
  • Evolution of the Stars: 
    The number of stars changed as new states joined the union. The original 13-star flag was modified to include stars for states like Vermont and Kentucky, leading to a period with 15 stars and 15 stripes. 
  • 1818 Flag Act: 
    An act of Congress in 1818 established the precedent of having 13 stripes for the original colonies and adding a star for each new state admitted to the union. 
  • Current Design: 
    The current 50-star flag was adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state.