In 1776, the United States did not yet have a single national flag — the first official design, called the Continental Colors or Grand Union Flag, featured 13 red and white stripes representing the Thirteen Colonies, with the Union Jack of Great Britain in the upper left corner (the canton) American Battlefield Trust+1. This flag was used by the Continental Army from 1775 to 1777.

By June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress formally adopted a new national flag design.

“Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union is thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

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