The Ultimate Logo

Perhaps one of the world’s most iconic logo designs is the American Flag. No other design evokes such symbolism, history and emotion as the Stars and Stripes. Here is a quick history of how the current US flag became what it is today.

January 1, 1776: The Grand Union flag, consisting of 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper left-hand corner was hoisted above Washington’s base at Prospect Hill as the Continental Army was laying siege to Boston.

May of 1776: According to popular legend, the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross, a seamstress who lived in Philadelphia.

June 14, 1777: Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act. The flag of the United States consisted of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white and thirteen stars, white in a blue field, this represented the original colonies.

Between 1777 and 1960: Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design and arrangement of the flag and allowed for additional stars and stripes to be added to reflect the admission of each new state.

Today: The American Flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.