The United States – US Flags [dot] Design

With much of the evidence lost to history, historians disagree on which individuals designed and constructed early versions of the United States flag.

Notably, Francis Hopkinson claimed he designed the first flag and Betsy Ross, because of her grandson, has been credited with constructing it. Historians remain skeptical.

The flag has seen 27 different versions (and countless variations) since its official adoption June 14, 1777.

As new states joined, corresponding stars were added to the flag. With few specifications in place, a variety of creative star arrangements were produced. The orderly pattern of offset rows wasn’t standardized until 1959.

The current 50-star flag was adopted July 4, 1960.