Throwback Thursday: The history of the American Flag

Today we’re celebrating one of the most recognizable symbols in the world: the American flag. As next week marks the 250th birthday of this nation, the stars and stripes we know today didn’t appear overnight. It evolved through a series of flags that reflected the hopes, beliefs, and struggles of the American people during the Revolutionary era. We stumbled upon a mini book sharing these stories, published in 1912 by Chase & Sanborn Tea and Coffee Importers in Boston. And yes, the irony of telling the stories over a tea company’s book from Boston isn’t lost on us.

Our story begins with the New England colonial flag of 1686. This early banner featured the red cross of St. George that represented England, along with a pine tree. The pine tree was an important symbol of New England’s natural resources, independence, and strength. Long before Americans were fighting for freedom, the pine tree had already become a symbol of local identity.

The 1774 Taunton flag from Massachusetts featured a British ensign on a field of red with the words, “liberty and union.” This flag showed many colonists were not yet seeking independence—they simply wanted their rights respected as English citizens. It represented the growing tension between loyalty and resistance.

In 1775, as war broke out, the Bunker Hill flag appeared. While historians debate its exact design, it is commonly depicted with a blue field, the cross of St. George, and a pine tree. It became associated with the battle of Bunker Hill and symbolized colonial courage during the opening months of the Revolution.

That same year, the newly formed American Navy sailed under the pine tree flag, often called the “Appeal to Heaven” flag. It featured a lone pine tree and the words “an appeal to heaven.” The message came from philosopher John Locke and reflected the belief that when earthly governments fail, people may appeal to a higher authority for justice.

In 1776, the Rattlesnake Flag emerged, often known by its famous motto, “Don’t tread on me.” The rattlesnake represented vigilance, unity, and a willingness to defend liberty. Benjamin Franklin had long used the rattlesnake as a uniquely American symbol.

Also in 1776, South Carolina patriots rallied around the Crescent Flag, designed by Colonel William Moultrie. The blue field and white crescent represented troops defending Charleston Harbor. It became a symbol of South Carolina’s contribution to the fight for independence and remains influential in the state’s flag today.

Meanwhile, the Continental Army adopted the Grand Union Flag, sometimes called the continental colors. It featured 13 red and white stripes representing the colonies, but still included Britain’s Union Jack in the corner. It reflected a nation in transition, fighting for its rights while independence had not yet been formally declared.

Everything changed in June of 1777 when the Continental Congress passed the first flag resolution. The result was the famous Betsy Ross Flag, featuring 13 stars arranged in a circle and 13 stripes. Whether Betsy Ross actually sewed the first one remains debated, but the design represented equality among the thirteen states and the birth of a new nation.

Finally, in 1818, Congress established the basic flag design we still use today. The Flag Act of 1818 returned the flag to 13 stripes. For a couple of decades before this , Kentucky had a stripe on the flag, along with Vermont, 15 in all. But going back to 13 honored the original colonies. This flag added a new star for each state admitted to the union. That’s why today’s flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes—a living symbol that grows with the nation while remembering its origins. From pine trees and rattlesnakes to stars and stripes, each flag tells part of America’s story. Together, they remind us that the American flag is more than cloth and color. It’s a symbol of unity, perseverance, and an ongoing pursuit of liberty.