The Continental Congress adopted the Flag Resolution establishing thirteen stars and thirteen stripes on June 14, 1777.
The resolution stated that the flag of the thirteen United States would have thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field. Congress described the stars as representing a new constellation. The resolution was brief and did not specify the stars’ exact arrangement, number of points, or orientation.
That flexibility allowed early flag makers to use different layouts, including circles, rows, and other patterns. The familiar circle associated with the Betsy Ross flag is traditional, but the resolution did not require it. Researchers also debate who physically made the earliest flags, and no law identifies a single designer.
June 14 is now observed as Flag Day in the United States. The flag later changed as new states joined the Union. In 1818, Congress restored thirteen stripes while allowing the number of stars to increase with each new state.