Stars, Stripes & Stories
Betsy Ross Probably Didn’t Design the First Flag
While Betsy Ross is often credited with sewing the first American flag, historians say there is little evidence proving the story. Much of the legend came from her grandson nearly 100 years later. Many historians believe Congressman Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, likely played a major role in designing the original flag.
Why Red, White, and Blue?
The colors were inspired in part by the British flag and other popular flags of the time. However, America later assigned its own symbolism to the colors: red for valor and bravery, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
A Teenager Designed Today’s Flag
In 1958, 17-year-old Robert Heft designed a 50-star flag for a high school history project after hearing Alaska and Hawaii were expected to become states. He originally received a B-minus on the assignment, but his teacher later changed it to an A after Congress officially adopted the design in 1960.
One Flag Has Missing a Star
When Oregon became the 33rd state in 1859, a flag maker accidentally produced a version with only 32 stars. A few of those rare “missing star” flags still exist today and are now prized by collectors and museums.
The Flag Once Had 15 Stripes
After Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union, Congress briefly expanded both the stars and stripes to 15. That version inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 1812.
There’s a Right Way to Fold a Flag
The traditional triangle fold is said to resemble the tricorn hats worn during the Revolutionary War. A properly folded flag displays only the blue field of stars.
Flags Fly 24 Hours a at Certain Locations
The American flag flies continuously at places like the White House, the U.S. Capitol, Fort McHenry, and the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Moon Has American Flags on It
Apollo astronauts planted six American flags on the moon between 1969 and 1972. Scientists believe some may still be standing today despite decades of harsh lunar conditions.
The U.S. Flag Code Is Mostly Voluntary
The United States has an official Flag Code that outlines respectful ways to display and handle the flag. However, most parts of the code are considered guidelines and are not legally enforced for private citizens.
The Flag Has Changed 27 Times
Every time a new state joined the Union, stars were added to the flag. The current 50-star design became official in 1960 after Hawaii became a state.
While Betsy Ross is often credited with sewing the first American flag, historians say there is little evidence proving the story. Much of the legend came from her grandson nearly 100 years later. Many historians believe Congressman Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, likely played a major role in designing the original flag.
Why Red, White, and Blue?
The colors were inspired in part by the British flag and other popular flags of the time. However, America later assigned its own symbolism to the colors: red for valor and bravery, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
A Teenager Designed Today’s Flag
In 1958, 17-year-old Robert Heft designed a 50-star flag for a high school history project after hearing Alaska and Hawaii were expected to become states. He originally received a B-minus on the assignment, but his teacher later changed it to an A after Congress officially adopted the design in 1960.
One Flag Has Missing a Star
When Oregon became the 33rd state in 1859, a flag maker accidentally produced a version with only 32 stars. A few of those rare “missing star” flags still exist today and are now prized by collectors and museums.
The Flag Once Had 15 Stripes
After Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union, Congress briefly expanded both the stars and stripes to 15. That version inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 1812.
There’s a Right Way to Fold a Flag
The traditional triangle fold is said to resemble the tricorn hats worn during the Revolutionary War. A properly folded flag displays only the blue field of stars.
Flags Fly 24 Hours a at Certain Locations
The American flag flies continuously at places like the White House, the U.S. Capitol, Fort McHenry, and the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Moon Has American Flags on It
Apollo astronauts planted six American flags on the moon between 1969 and 1972. Scientists believe some may still be standing today despite decades of harsh lunar conditions.
The U.S. Flag Code Is Mostly Voluntary
The United States has an official Flag Code that outlines respectful ways to display and handle the flag. However, most parts of the code are considered guidelines and are not legally enforced for private citizens.
The Flag Has Changed 27 Times
Every time a new state joined the Union, stars were added to the flag. The current 50-star design became official in 1960 after Hawaii became a state.