The American flag is an iconic symbol that has evolved over the years. Let's take a look at the historical timeline of the American flag and how it has changed over time.
1776: The First Flag
In 1776, the first American flag was created with 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies. This flag, known as the Betsy Ross flag, was a symbol of unity and independence during the American Revolution.
1795: The 15-Star Flag
In 1795, two additional states joined the Union, prompting the addition of two more stars and two more stripes to the flag. This 15-star flag was the official flag of the United States until 1818.
1818: The 20-Star Flag
As more states joined the Union, it became clear that adding a stripe for each new state would make the flag too unwieldy. In 1818, Congress passed a law reverting to 13 stripes and adding a star for each new state. The 20-star flag was the first flag to follow this new design.
1960: The 50-Star Flag
After Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, the current design of the American flag with 50 stars representing each state was adopted. This flag has been in use since July 4, 1960, making it the longest-serving version of the American flag.
Throughout its history, the American flag has been a symbol of freedom, unity, and patriotism. Its evolution reflects the growth and changes of the United States as a nation.
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