Flag History
Evolution of Our Flag
Stand quietly each time you hear our National Anthem played. Recite the pledge of allegiance often.
Salute Old Glory when she is presented.
St. George’s Cross
The first British flag in North America was, St. George’s Cross, a red and white flag. This flag was brought here by British explorers in the 1500’s. Their exact landing location is still questionable. But the red and white was seen on our shores for the first time.
The Kings Colors
When the Pilgrims came in the 1600 they brought with them the Kings Colors. This flag had the cross of St. George prominently displayed in it but it also had acquired a white X with a blue background from St. Andrew’s Flag of Scotland. This then added the blue
Colonial Red Ensign
In 1720 the Colonial Red Ensign was chosen and flying in our skies. More red than calming blue and pure white. Under this banner dissension’s rose and the colonist became angry about taxes. They then sought their freedom from British rule but the basic flag design was visible
The Grand Union Flag
In 1776, in the wars early days, its reported a patriot sewed six white stripes on the Red Ensign to show his displeasure with the British and created the Continental Colors, or, the flag Washington called the Grand Union Flag when he raised it at the battle of Cambridge. It was here that stripes became visible
Fort Stanwix Flag
On June 14th 1777, the Second Continental Congress, in a resolution described a flag that would unify all 13 colonies. It should be one with 13 stripes, 7 red and 6 white with 13 stars forming a new constellation in a field of blue. This flag was first flown at Fort Stanwix in New York on August 3, 1777. The now stars completed the design of today’s flag.
The Star Spangled Banner
In 1795 when two more states joined the union, 2 stars and 2 stripes were added to the flag. This flag is the only flag with more than 13 stripes. It was also the flag that Francis Scott Key wrote about in 1814 when he composed, the Star Spangle Banner, our National Anthem
Under the Flag Code
n 1818 Congress decided to specify a specific design and wrote the first flag code. The flag would have 13 stripes one for each of the first 13 colonies and 20 stars in a field of blue for each state. Stars would be added on July 4th following each states admittance. The star design would be specified by the President. Our 20-star flag also became a little longer than wider.
The rest is history, a proud history of accomplishment, by a determined people in a free atmosphere. We have grown from 13 to 50 states; we have five territories and the District of Columbia, all still united after more than 200 years. We should be proud of our heritage and the rights we have. We should honor our flag and give thanks to all those who fought to secure our freedom through the years.