The Flag Resolution of 1777 played an important role in the development of the modern-day American Flag. Also known simply as the Flag Resolution, it was the first time that our country has an official flag. While the American flag’s design has evolved since then, its roots are still embedded deep within the Flag Resolution of 1777. To learn more about the Flag Resolution of 1777, keep reading.
What Is the Flag Resolution of 1777?
The Flag Resolution of 1777 was a legislative act passed by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. Prior to that time, there was no official American flag. The Second Continental Congress, however, acknowledged the need for an official American flag because of the country’s war with Great Britain. As a result, lawmakers came together to pass the Flag Resolution of 1777.
In the Flag Resolution 1777, the Second Continental Congress stated that the American flag should feature 13 stripes in alternating red and white colors. They also stated that the American flag should feature 13 white stars in the union — the upper-left corner of the flag — against a blue background. At the time, the 13 stripes and 13 stars represented the 13 original colonies. Today, the American flag still features 13 stripes, which continue to represent the original 13 colonies. Of course, it now features 50 stars rather than the 13 stars as specified in the Flag Resolution of 1777. The 50 stars in the modern-day American flag represent the 50 states.
The Significance of the Flag Resolution 1777
After passing the Flag Resolution of 1777, the first official American flag was flown at Fort Schuyler on August 3 of that same year. Known as the Siege of Fort Schuyler, a battle took place here between the Contentintel Army and British forces. Historians believe that reinforcements from Massachusetts brought news of the newly adopted American flag to the Continental Army during the Siege of Fort Schuyler. The Continental Army then cut up some shirts and peacoats, which they used to sew together a makeshift American flag. This marked the first time that the American flag was displayed in battle.
If it wasn’t for the Flag Resolution of 1777, the modern-day American flag would probably look very different. As previously mentioned, the Flag Resolution of 1777 contained design specifications for the American flag, including the use of stars and stripes. Over the years, the design has been revised numerous times. On July 4, 1960 — after Hawaii was added as an official state — the American flag was updated to include 50 stars. Today, the American flag continues to use this design consisting of 13 stripes and 50 stars.
