The American flag is easily one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. Known for its striking red, white, and blue colors and featuring 50 stars—each representing a state—it carries a rich history beyond its appearance. But what more is there to uncover?
There are numerous intriguing aspects surrounding the American flag; some widely known, while others may surprise you. This emblem is often displayed during celebrations or as a symbol of patriotism. If you’re considering acquiring one, it’s worth exploring which materials would best suit your needs and familiarizing yourself with the story behind this iconic flag.
Thus we’ve compiled six of the most fascinating facts you might not know about the American flag.
The Design
You may have come across the name Betsy Ross in connection with the American flag. According to popular belief, she was tasked by George Washington to create the flag. Other accounts suggest that she was simply responsible for sewing it based on a preliminary sketch he provided, while some narratives credit her only with the construction of the flag itself.
However, the truth is, none of these stories hold up under scrutiny. It seems that people have identified with her narrative, which is why it gained traction. In reality, her name didn’t even surface until four decades after her passing in 1876.
So, if it wasn’t Betsy Ross, who was the actual creator? The current design featuring 50 stars was crafted by Robert G. Heft, a high school student who produced it as a class project. This design has been the national flag since 1960, and interestingly, Heft received a B- for his effort!
Seeing Stars
<spanA star is added each time a new state joins the union. Today, all stars have five points, but this wasn't always the case, as they were originally created with six points.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the arrangements of stars varied greatly, from circular patterns to more random layouts; a bit like an early version of “photoshop” for artists and flag designers.
An executive order by President Taft in 1912 mandated that the stars be laid out in six horizontal rows of eight, with each star’s point facing upward. Later, under President Eisenhower, the stars were restructured into nine horizontal rows and eleven vertical rows.
The 13 Stripes
There have always been 13 alternating red and white stripes, with the exception of a period when Vermont and Kentucky joined the union. During that time, a flag featuring 15 stars and 15 stripes was made.
While stars can be arranged without taking up too much space, the striped design presented a problem; specifically, the challenge of adding a stripe for each new state, which would create an unwieldy flag. The decision was made to maintain the 13 stripes as a tribute to the original colonies that declared independence from Britain.
Red, White, and Blue
The colors of the flag are not just ordinary hues; they hold significant meaning. White, known as “old glory white,” symbolizes hope and purity, as well as a sense of unity in life.
The red, often referred to as “old glory red,” represents zeal and valor. The blue symbolizes loyalty, truth, and vigilance, and some interpret it as a connection to the divine.
What’s in a Name?
The American flag is known by many names, the most popular being: The Star-Spangled Banner, the American flag, Red, White and Blue, Stars and Stripes, and Old Glory. It might just take the prize for the flag with the most nicknames in the world.
Nevertheless, none of these monikers is official. They are nicknames; even the term “American flag” is merely a nickname. The flag’s official name is “The Flag of the United States of America.”
Moon Flags
Similar to stars who fall from grace, one might wonder, “What ever happened to them?” In 1969, the Apollo 11 crew planted six flags on the moon’s surface. Reports indicated the astronauts encountered challenges getting the pole embedded securely in the lunar soil.
There were also technical issues with the equipment designed to keep the flag erect and extended in an environment void of wind. A United Nations treaty prohibits any nation, including the U.S., from claiming the moon as territory. Yet the symbolism of the American flag on lunar soil remains powerful, even if those flags may no longer exist today.
Regardless of whether you refer to it by its official name or its many nicknames, the American flag carries a fascinating history and has undergone numerous transformations. The current design, now the 27th version, is the longest-serving flag, having flown for 50 years. It embodies the values of Americans, who proudly display it both at home and abroad.
