Historical Timeline of the American Flag Debra Nanney Cliffside Elementary Third Grade Flag image: Dave’s American Flag (

The first flag was raised in Massachusetts. The flag had 13 stripes to illustrate the original thirteen colonies. The flag resembled the British flag as a sign of loyalty to the King of England. Flag image: Dave’s American Flag ( January 1, 1776

Can you predict? Do you know why the flag was created with the colors of red, white, and blue? Do you know who commissioned the first flag? Do you know who created the first flag? United States Flag Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

Red signifies hardiness and valor. White signifies purity and innocence. Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Betsy Ross Created the First Flag The flag was commissioned by the Continental Congress. Betsy Ross Making the Flag Source: Library of Congress – American Memory Do you think events happened the way they are shown in this picture?

Can You Predict why there were differences between these two flags? Flag images: Dave’s American Flag (

1777 The flag showed 13 stars and 13 stripes. The flag was made to fly as a symbol of peace The flag showed a 15 star, 15 stripe design. The stars represented two new states added, Kentucky and Vermont. Changes in the U.S. Flag

Can You Predict? Why would this man be admiring the flag in the distance? Francis Scott Key standing on boat, with right arm stretched out toward the United States flag flying over Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland. Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

During the war of 1812, the song known as the “Star Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key. He wrote the song as he witnessed the battle of Fort McHenry by the British navy on September 13. Sheet music for “The Star Spangled Banner” Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

Click on the picture or the link below to hear “Stars and Stripes Forever -

Can You Predict? What have past flags been utilized for? War Warmth Bedroom of tenant farmer living near Warner, Oklahoma Source: Library of Congress – American Memory One of two Revolutionary War flags in existence. This one was carried at the Battle of Stoney Point, General Posey commanding. Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

Taking a Patients Pulse Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

To Honor Fallen Heroes… Graves of Marines killed in Battle of Guantanomo Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

Patriotic Parades Ford workers carrying American flag and union banners in the Labor Day Parade Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

And to teach school children about the flag and patriotism! At an early age school children learn about the meaning of the American Flag Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

Today, as in the past, our flag still blows in the breeze… A symbol of pride just as our forefathers had created it. Woman holding the American flag and waving a handkerchief. White envelope with colored ink. Source: Library of Congress – American Memory