Congress adopted the Flag Resolution establishing the original U.S. flag design on June 14, 1777.
The resolution called for thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field. It described the stars as representing “a new constellation.” The design connected the new national symbol to the thirteen colonies that had declared independence the previous year, a history highlighted during America250.
June 14 is now observed in the United States as Flag Day. The resolution did not specify the exact arrangement of the stars, so early flags appeared in several patterns, including circles and rows. The familiar modern arrangement developed later as new states joined the Union.
The flag’s current design was adopted in 1960 after Hawaii became the fiftieth state. The stripes remained at thirteen to honor the original colonies, while the number of stars increased with statehood. Thus, the 1777 resolution established the foundation, not the final 50-star flag.