Who Made the First United States Flag?

Many historians point to Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a talented artist. In 1780, Hopkinson sent a bill to the Board of Admiralty asking for payment for several designs, including "the flag of the United States of America."

Hopkinson is the only person from that era who actually claimed to have designed the flag in writing. While his bill was never paid—the government argued he was already receiving a salary as a public official—his role as the primary architect is widely accepted by scholars today.

The American flag was made 'official' by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. While its origins remain a subject of debate, the date itself became a permanent part of the American story in 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson officially established Flag Day.

One important thing to note is that the resolution did not specify how the stars should be arranged, which led to many different versions—some with circles of stars, and others with rows.

The colors were also chosen for their meaning:

Red for hardiness and valor

White for purity and innocence

And blue for vigilance and justice