Collection: American flags over the years

More than any other flag in the world, the Stars and Stripes of the USA is the most universally recognized national symbol in the world. Different American flags have developed over many years of popular history, with no less than 27 versions of the same flag produced as the US expanded its territories and added more states to the union.

Some of the developments (and departures) from the design have been controversial, the most famous being the brief appearance of the rebel confederate flag during the civil war. Interestingly enough, the colours of Old Glory, the US flag, were taken directly from the British Union Jack flag at the time of the country’s creation – despite the fierce fight for independence and the dislike of the British. The thirteen red and white stripes remained a constant feature from the flag’s inauguration on 14 July 1777, but the number of stars white stars set in the blue panel has steadily increased over the years, as new states became members of the world’s largest democratic nation. In fact, the addition of new states happened so rapidly that President James Monroe (1817 – 1825) served under three different version of the American flag!

The historical flags of USA also served to inspire the creation of the national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, which was composed by Francis Scott Key in 1812 after seeing the flag still flying over Fort McHenry after a fierce artillery battle and bombardment by the British.

Possibly more than any flag in the modern world, the Stars and Stripes is recognized as a beacon of democracy, a symbol of hope, and a rallying point for justice, peace, equality and opportunity.

The different American flags are more than just a dry historical record: they are a living tribute to an extraordinary country.