National Geographic's Collectors Corner

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the 6 "primary" versions of "Old Glory" ---> the Stars & Stripes to which we Pledge Allegiance

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Congress (finally) finalized the current configuration of the U.S. flag on July 4, 1960, when the 50-star design officially took [delayed] effect following Hawaii's admission as the 50th state.

This configuration was established by Executive Order # 10834, issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1960, which specified the arrangement of 5 rows of 6 stars alternating w/ 4 rows of 5 stars.

Original Design: The Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777, established the 13-stripe + 13-star design but did not specify the star arrangement.

Stripe Standardization: The Flag Act of 1818 reverted the number of stripes to the original 13, establishing the rule that stars would be added for new states while stripes remained constant.

The most recent changes: The flag was updated to 49 stars for Alaska joining the Union (January 3, 1959) -- and then, 50 stars for Hawai'i's admission to the Union on August 21, 1959.


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Views: 22

Comment by Ziga on August 10, 2026 at 4:49am

I always liked the one with the stars in a circle, I had no idea it was called The Betsy Ross Flag, I've just seen it many times in costume dramas or historical films, and in footage/coverage of your presidential inaugurations. I guess it reminds me (in part) of our EU flag (which always has 12 stars in a circle -- regardless of the number of member states). 

Comment by Scott T. Shier on August 10, 2026 at 11:33am

Ziga, 

. . . yeah, I have a fondness for the 13-stars flag. Many Americans have one in that style and have them on their flagpoles or hanging as bunting off their homes, porches, etc. 

Actually I have never owned one, but this year it's moved up the priority list -- I want one, ha-ha. 

Alas, I do not have a flag pole anymore   : - ( 

          - Scott

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