The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.2
On View
Not on viewThe 1777 medal: The Stars and Stripes Are Born
"Resolved that the flag of the thirteen states shall be thirteen stripes alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation."
With these words the Continental Congress created the flag of the United States of America on June 14, 1777.
It is generally acknowledged that Betsy Ross made the first Stars and Stripes. According to her daughter, George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross visited her in Philadelphia during June, 1777 and asked if she could make a flag from the rough sketch they showed her. On the 1777 medal Betsy Ross is showing the completed flag to George Washington. Betsy Ross and her family not only made flags during the Revolution, they continued to make them for many years afterward.
The flag at first added stripes as well as stars each time a new state entered the union. This threatened to become unweildly with the admission of many western states and on April 18, 1818, the stripes reverted to thirteen to represent the original thirteen colonies, with a star to be added each time a new state was admitted. The 50th star, for Hawaii, was added on July 4, 1960.
The colors of the United States flag have meaning: Red is for valor; white is for purity; and blue is for justice.
