The first officially recognized version of the American flag, from 1776, had 13 stars — in a circle.
Although even before the US became an autonomous nation, Americans had a banner to display their patriotism.
Since then, the stars representing the increasing number of states on the flag have taken on different designs, like a flower, or wagon wheel.
In honor of the 4th of July, here's 21 versions of the US flag compiled by the team at Pop Chart Labs.
The Sons of Liberty, a secret society of dissidents, adopted this flag in 1767. The nine uneven stripes represent the "loyal nine" colonies that protested the Stamp Act of Congress of 1765.
Source: CRW Flags
John Hulbert created this version in 1775. His company, the Third Regiment of New York, reportedly carried it. Its six-pointed stars are arranged in the cross of St. Andrew.
Source: Mouse River Farmers Press, 1960
Some historians consider this the oldest flag meant to represent the entire country as well as the oldest to use 13 red and white stripes purposefully. The Minutemen reportedly carried it for the Battles on Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.
Source: Flag Heritage Foundation
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