June 14, 1777, is commemorated by Flag Day because Congress adopted the first United States flag resolution on that date.
The resolution stated that the flag would have thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field, representing the thirteen states. It did not provide a detailed design specification for the stars’ arrangement.
The familiar Betsy Ross story says she made the first flag, but historians have found no conclusive contemporary evidence that she designed or sewed it. Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate and designer, later sought recognition for contributing to the flag, though Congress never formally credited one person as its sole designer.
The flag changed as new states joined the Union. Congress added stars for new states while retaining thirteen stripes, so the design could grow without losing its connection to the original states.