The Flag Lady Corp. believes every display has a story. Flags help people recognize a country, a community or an organization. Their colors and symbols carry stories. Our starting point is the flag customers ask us about most: the United States flag.
A short U.S. flag timeline
- June 14, 1777: The Continental Congress adopted a flag with 13 stars and 13 alternating red and white stripes.
- 1818: Congress fixed the stripe count at 13 and provided for a star for each state. The stripes preserve the connection to the original colonies as the country grows.
- July 4, 1960: The 50-star flag became the official design following Hawaii's admission as a state.
What do the stars and stripes represent?
The 50 stars represent the 50 states. The 13 stripes recall the original colonies. A flag's design and where a particular product was manufactured are separate questions; check the specific product's origin information before buying.
History you can use
Choosing a historical flag for a school, office or event? Match the design to the period you want to represent. A historical reproduction is different from today's national flag. Ask about the design, size, attachment and intended display before ordering.
Keep learning
Explore state, military, international and custom flags through our Flag Learning Center. For respectful display, read our flag care and etiquette guide.