How many facts about the American flag do you know?
If you’re an American like me, then our flag likely means more than just a couple of stars and stripes. It’s a symbol that stands for history, unity, and the struggles of our nation. I grew up just a few miles from Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, where I heard a lot of stories about sacrifice and love for my country. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been so interested in the symbols and history that make up our country.
I’ve come to understand that the flag is more than just a decoration; it is a living piece of history passed on from generation to generation. There are so many interesting things about the American flag that I believe everyone should know and be proud of.
For example, the rules for displaying it and how it has changed over time. It shows how hard we worked, how far we’ve come, and the things we still want to achieve. The more I learn, the prouder I am to be an American.
Below you will find some facts about the American flag that you can brag about at the next trivia game on Flag Day.
The American flag has existed in 27 variations
Among the many fascinating facts about the American flag is how much it has evolved since its original form back in 1777, which featured 13 stars and 13 stripes for the American colonies. Every state that joined the Union was given a new star as the nation expanded. After Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union in 1794, the flag was modified with 15 stripes. The third Flag Act of 1818 established one star for each state and returned the number of stripes to 13.
Today, the flag still proudly features 50 stars, which stand for all of the states in the United States, and 13 stripes, which honor those first colonies.
Color significance
When it comes to facts about the American flag, it’s important to also mention the significance of the colors. While American citizens may be familiar with the history of the hues, foreigners find it interesting to learn about.
There was more to the Red, White, and Blue than meets the eye. In addition to being beautiful to look at, the Founding Fathers wanted the colors to have a deeper meaning. The American seal, which also includes the colors red, white, and blue, was designed by the Continental Congress in 1776.
White represented “purity and innocence,” blue represented “vigilance, perseverance, and justice,” and red represented “hardiness and valour.”
Did a teen design the current flag? Yes!
Can you imagine how awesome the feeling must be of being the designer of your nation’s flag? I think I would be so happy that my heart would pump out of my chest. No joke! Even though we are mad at them every time they get bad grades at school, youngsters are much more capable than we realize!
This is probably one of the cutest facts about the American flag. In 1958, they held a contest to design a new flag that reflected the nation’s development. Many students participated in the contest in the hope that their drawings would be selected. Only one was lucky enough! President Dwight Eisenhower selected the design submitted by 17-year-old Robert G. Heft of Lancaster, Ohio, out of more than 1,500 entries.
If you’re curious about other versions of the American flag, visit The Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia; the National Museum of American History, Constitutional Ave., NW between 12th and 14th Streets, Washington, D.C.; the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle, VA; or the National Air & Space Museum, Independence Ave. at 6th St., SW Washington, D.C.
There is a forgotten flag design that drives collectors mad
I am curious how many history buffs know about this detail. Among all the interesting things related to the history of the American flag, there is this one about the Great Star Pattern, also known as the Grand Luminary. This design is undoubtedly one of the most stunning early iterations of the flag, and it was created by a U.S. Navy captain around 1818. It features a clever arrangement of smaller stars that combine to form a prominent large star in the center of the blue field.
This design was never officially adopted by Congress, but it became popular during the Civil War and has since become a desired gem for collectors. If you see one at an auction, you are looking at a very rare piece of patriotic art that could sell for a lot of money.
The Apollo expeditions brought the American flag to the moon
But that’s not the only surprise in the history of the American flag! Astronauts placed American flags on the moon during the six crewed lunar landings (Apollo 11–17, excluding 13). The first American flag arrived on the Moon on July 20, 1969, but because of severe weather and UV rays, these flags have probably turned white and might even be extinct. However, it was and still is a proud moment for all Americans!
The Superflag measures 17 feet high
It weighs three thousand pounds, is 255 by 505 feet, and has 17-foot-tall stars! It takes 600 people to unfold, and it has been seen at parades, military events, the Super Bowl, and the World Series. Annin & Co. made it, and if you have the money or the space, you can even rent it and be proud you’re touching the biggest American flag ever created. Neat, right?
Interesting insight: For those who don’t know, founded in 1847, Annin & Co. is the oldest and largest flag maker in the country. They were also the makers of the American flag that covered Lincoln’s coffin.
Although I usually recommend books that inspire me to write these articles, this time I’m trying something new. If these facts about the American flag made you nostalgic but also proud you’re an American citizen, then a framed replica of an early American flag can be the perfect addition to your home walls.
It’s not just an artwork; it’s a daily reminder of everything our flag has stood for, from Valley Forge to the moon landings. You can find gorgeous, high-quality American flag canvas prints on Amazon in a wide range of styles and sizes that will look great in any room.
No states have been added to it since 1959
As previously mentioned, the American flag’s design has seen multiple changes. However, since no states have joined the union since 1959, the current version of the symbol is the one that has been in use the longest.
You can buy a flag that has been flown over the Capitol
If the idea of having a superflag in your yard sounds unusual, one of the most interesting facts about the American flag is that you can order one that has flown over the Capitol. Say what? Yes, let me tell you how to do it.
First of all, make sure you are aware of who to contact to get in touch with your state senator. Fortunately, a Senate Directory is available. Secondly, locate the customer services webpage on your senator’s website and look for the “Flag Requests” tab there. You can soon have your own Capitol flag if you simply follow the detailed ordering instructions that your state senator has provided. So awesome!
Did you know there’s a flag code?
The flag must be lit up properly if it is flown at night. Take it down at sunset if it isn’t lit. That means the flag in your neighbor’s front yard that flies all the time? It needs a spotlight at night, technically!
Our flag has a day meant to celebrate it
Flag Day is observed on June 14 every year in the United States. However, do you know why? The reason for this is that the American flag was formally accepted as the country’s national symbol by the Second Continental Congress on that date in 1777. These were some of the most interesting facts about the American flag that I hope will help you impress your friends and family on Flag Day, and you’ll know why you’re celebrating!
If the article about the history of the American flag made you curious for more, I’ve got the next best suggestion for you! You’re going to like it for sure: 6 Strange Ideas That Shaped 1970s Thinking.