Did you know our flag used to have a pine tree on it? Yes, it’s true, in 1775 when the American Revolution broke out many colonists didn’t fight under a united flag. Instead we had many versions or regimental flags. One of the most famous is shown with a coiled rattlesnake and the phrase “Don’t Tread on Me” while the most likely unknown was one with a pine tree and the phase “An Appeal to Heaven” on it.
The union jack flag was used in 1775 but after George Washington realized that using a flag that closely resembles that of our enemy probably wasn’t a good idea. And credit is giving to Betsy Ross who made the first American Flag in 1776 showing 13 stars for each of the 13 colonies and 13 of alternating red and white strips.
It was very uncommon for individuals to fly the American Flag until the Civil War broke out in 1861. This made the Stars and Strips suddenly popular symbol in the North.
But is wasn’t until William Howard Taft signed an executive order in 1912 that clarified what the American Flag should look like. In 1916 Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially establishing a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14, the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 but is wasn’t until 1949 when President Harry Truman signed legislation designating June 14 of each year as Nation Flag Day
Our flag consists of 13 alternating red and white strips representing the original colonies and 50 stars, one for each state in the union.
you can order an American Flag 1776 edition here