Johann Hunt
The American flag’s story is anything but ordinary. It’s been hoisted on battlefields, flown on the Moon, and shaped by surprising moments that defy expectations. Each twist reveals a legacy of resilience, adventure, and change. Ready to uncover 20 remarkable events that made Old Glory an icon?
1776: Washington’s First Banner Didn’t Have Stars
George Washington’s troops raised the first flag in 1776 that might surprise you. It had 13 stripes, but instead of stars, it featured Britain’s Union Flag. This early version, called the Grand Union Flag, symbolized a nation still finding its identity.
1777: The Flag Act Seals the Deal
On June 14, 1777, Congress took a significant step by passing the Flag Act, officially adopting the Stars and Stripes as the nation’s flag. This move came after a Native American nation requested an official flag, and over time, June 14 became recognized as Flag Day.
1778: First Flag Saluted by a Foreign Nation
In 1778, the US flag received its first salute from another country. While anchored in Quiberon Bay, France, John Paul Jones’s ship, the Ranger, was greeted with a salute from the French fleet. This moment marked a significant step in gaining international recognition for American independence.
1794: When the Flag Got 15 Stripes
As new states joined the union, the flag added new stripes! In 1794, Congress added two stars and two stripes to represent Vermont and Kentucky, creating a flag with 15 stripes. However, by 1818, it was decided that 13 stripes would be enough, and the flag returned to that design.
1799: The Roots of the Half-Staff Tradition
It all started in 1799 when the flag was lowered to honor George Washington’s death. Sailors dropped their flags in respect, which kicked off a tradition that stuck around. The half-staff custom became more consistent by 1954, specifically to honor fallen presidents.
1805: Flying High Overseas for the First Time
The American flag made its first appearance overseas during the First Barbary War. At Fort Derne in Libya, US Marines proudly planted it, marking the first time Old Glory flew beyond American soil and symbolizing a bold new chapter in American history.
1813: The Star-Spangled Banner’s Battle Origins
In 1813, Mary Pickersgill stitched together a huge flag back with 15 stars and 15 stripes—the Garrison Flag. A year later, it flew over Fort McHenry during a British attack. That sight inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem—now America’s national anthem!
1814: Preserving the Star-Spangled Banner
The original 1814 garrison flag is receiving special care at the National Museum of American History following an extensive preservation project in 1999. Now, it rests in a low-oxygen chamber, where even its fibers are under microscopic surveillance.
1831: A Sea Captain’s Love for ‘Old Glory’
In 1831, Captain William Driver proudly flew a flag on his sea voyages, naming it “Old Glory.” The nickname quickly caught on and has been used for all American flags ever since. Driver’s original flag is now preserved in the Smithsonian, a lasting symbol of its legacy.
1861: The Flag’s Popularity Surge
The US flag became more popular during the Civil War. After witnessing the 1861 Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, it was no longer just a banner—it turned into a bold symbol of unity, resilience, and the fight to preserve the nation.
1892: The First Flag Pledge in Schools
On October 12, 1892, the American flag became part of a new tradition when students in public schools recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time. Columbus Day celebrations sparked this practice, and it quickly spread nationwide.
1909: The First Flag on the North Pole
Explorer Robert Peary planted the American flag at the North Pole in 1909. Peary’s team sewed the flag to his sled right before the final push. Sewing of the flag made sure Old Glory reached the top of the world in true adventurer style.
1912: Official Star Design Standardized
Earlier, stars on the flag were arranged however flag-makers pleased. That day in 1912, President William Howard Taft issued an executive order to mandate a specific pattern for 48 stars—six rows of eight—that finally created a uniform design.
1945: A Photo That Immortalized Bravery
In 1945, during World War II, one of the most iconic images in history was captured. Six Marines raised the flag on Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi in 1945, and Joe Rosenthal captured the moment in his camera. That photo earned a Pulitzer Prize for showing American grit.
1949: The Day We Officially Honored the Flag
June 14 wasn’t just the date the flag was adopted back in 1777. June 14, 1949, became Flag Day, too! President Harry S. Truman signed it into official celebration status that day. Now, every June 14, Old Glory gets the spotlight it deserves.
1954: Eisenhower’s Half-Staff Order
By 1954, President Eisenhower introduced more formal flag guidelines. He officially laid out when to fly the flag at half-staff: during national tragedies like September 11 or after the passing of a president. This became a standard practice to show respect and honor those we’ve lost.
1958: A Teen’s School Project Made History
Imagine turning in a school project and changing history. That’s what Robert G. Heft did in 1958 when he designed the 50-star flag. His idea beat out over 1,500 other submissions, proving that sometimes, homework really can make a difference.
1960: The Flag’s 50-Star Finale
In 1960, the American flag got its final update—50 stars for 50 states—after Hawaii joined the union. This version, adopted on July 4, has flown longer than any other, symbolizing stability and the enduring spirit of the nation.
1963: Planting Stars and Stripes on Everest
Barry Bishop carried the American flag to the top of Mount Everest in 1963. After reaching the world’s highest peak, the flag tells of American achievement and determination even louder. Not many flags can say they’ve survived the “roof of the world.”
1969-1972: Flags on the Final Frontier
Between 1969 and 1972, astronauts planted six U.S. flags on the Moon during the Apollo missions—truly an out-of-this-world achievement. While the flags still stand, experts believe they’ve likely faded to white, thanks to the harsh lunar sun.