Graphic Design

I remember doing a report on the American flag when I was in fourth grade. I researched all about the history, design, and how it came do be, so I thought that choosing this iconic design and learning about it through an art perspective would be very interesting.

Despite popular belief, the first flag was not originally designed by Betsy Ross. It was made by a man named Francis Hopkins who lived in New Jersey. He designed the flag in 1777 to be used as a flag for the Navy. It is said he used the red and white stripes because they made the flag more visible against the blue sky while sailing out at sea. 

Francis Hopkins. 1777. Cloth.

There is a legend that depicts Betsy Ross sewing the flag based on a design George Washington had given her. The story came to light when her grandson first suggested the story nearly a century after the supposed incident. But there is no real evidence that proves that the story is true. Historians are unable to find the original sketch nor was it found in any of George Washington’s journals. And later, Ross’ ancestors have even come to believe that the story may be false.

Betsy Ross. Betsy Ross Flag. 1776. Cloth.

Since 1777, the design of the flag has been changed 26 times. The fifty-star flag is now the longest serving flag in America and was ordered by President Eisenhower on August 21, 1959 and was adopted in August 1960. The man who designed this flag was named Robert G. Heft. Heft was only 17 when he created the flag for a school project. He received a B- on the assignment, but his teacher agreed that if it was accepted to become the national flag, then she would raise his grade. The first time the flag was flown was on on Independence Day over Fort Henry.

                  The fifty-star flag has become an icon for the citizens of America. It is used to show nationalism, freedom, and it was also the object that inspired the national anthem. We now see the flag on clothing, stickers, cars, and many more places. Although the flag has been modified many times and commercialized, the general idea remains the same. There will always be a certain number or stars and stripes to represent the American states and colonies. I think that the flag we have now will continue to be the one we use for many more years.

Robert G. Heft. American Flag. 1958