American Flag History

The first American flag ever designed was a flag with nine vertical red and white stripes. However, Britain outlawed this flag, claiming that the stripes were “rebellious.”

Lieutenant John Paul Jones hoisted the Grand Union flag in the Philadelphia Harbor on December 3, 1775. This was the first time the Grand Union flag had been flown—either on land or at sea! This historic occasion was the first time an American flag was raised over an American naval vessel, and it is remembered by the Navy in various traditions today.

George Washington rose the Grand Union flag on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1776, at Prospect Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts. This was the first time the Grand Union flag was ever flown on land, and it commemorated the formation of a unified American army. Ironically, because the flag featured a British Union Jack, the British initially took the raising of the Grand Union flag as a sign of surrender!

Betsy Ross was a Philadelphia seamstress. She is famously known for designing the first “stars and stripes” American flag in 1776. The flag was designed at the request of George Washington, who wanted a new flag for the United States of America.

Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” after watching the American flag stand during a battle in the War of 1812.

There are thirteen stripes on the American flag, representing the original Thirteen Colonies. At first Americans added a new stripe to the flag each time a new state joined the Union, but it was too much to keep up with! Now a new star is added with each new state.

There are fifty stars on the American flag—one for each state in the United States.

The nickname of the modern American flag is “Old Glory.” It has flown across the world for over 200 years!

President Woodrow Wilson designated June 14 as Flag Day. He declared the national holiday on May 30, 1916.

Keep the history and spirit of the American flag alive! Celebrate Flag Day by putting up American flag decorations, drawing pictures of the American flag, or attending a patriotic event or parade. The 250th anniversary of America’s independence was marked in 2026.