The Originial Flag of the Thirteen United States

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution stating:

“That the flag of the Thirteen United States be Thirteen Stripes, alternate red and white: That the union be Thirteen Stars white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The brief article pictured above was published in the lower right-hand corner of the third page of the May 10, 1783 issue of the Newport Mercury (Rhode Island). This particular issue contains extensive coverage of the peace treaties being negotiated in France so this stars and stripes reminder was published at a time of tremendous American patriotism.

Since the Flag Resolution of 1777 didn’t specify the arrangement of stars, several designs were used including the three pictured below.