Historical Timeline of the American Flag

Debra Nanney

Cliffside Elementary

Third Grade

Flag image: Dave’s American Flag (http://www.delusionresistance.org/flags/national/USA_flags.html)

• 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 (http://www.delusionresistance.org/flags/national/USA_flags.html)

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 FlagThe 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?Do you think events happened the way they are shown in this picture?

Can You Predict why there were differences

between these two flags?

17951777

Flag images: Dave’s American Flag (http://www.delusionresistance.org/flags/national/USA_flags.html)

1777

The flag showed 13 stars and 13 stripes. The flag was made

to fly as a symbol of peace.

1795

The flag showed a 15 star, 15 stripe design. The stars represented two new states added,

Kentucky and Vermont.

Changes in the U.S. FlagChanges 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

Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

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

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/papr:@field(NUMBER+@band(edrs+50466l))

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

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