The Continental Congress adopted the first U.S. flag law on June 14, 1777.
The Flag Resolution stated that the United States flag would have thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field. The stars represented a new constellation, while the stripes recalled the thirteen original states or colonies.
The resolution did not specify the arrangement or shape of the stars, so early flags varied. The familiar modern design developed over time as new states joined the Union and stars were added. Congress later standardized important details, including the use of one star for each state.
June 14 is observed as Flag Day in the United States. The date is separate from July 4, the anniversary associated with America250, but both belong to the same founding-era sequence. The first flag law showed the new nation developing symbols alongside its political independence.