The US Flag Has Changed Designs 27 Times Since 1777

The familiar 50-star American flag is actually one of 27 official versions of the Star-Spangled Banner. The flag has been officially changed 27 times since the original Flag Resolution of 1777, with each new star added to represent a new state.

The original flag had 13 stars and 13 stripes for the original colonies. The current 50-star design was adopted on July 4, 1960, following Hawaii's admission as the 50th state in 1959. It was designed by 17-year-old Robert Heft of Ohio as a school project — he received a B- on the assignment. His teacher agreed to change the grade to an A if the design was accepted, which it was.