After the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it was decided that there needed to be a more official flag. In 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, which set creative parameters for the new symbol. It had to incorporate 13 stripes, alternating red and white, as well as 13 white stars against a blue background. The resulting designs were similar to the Grand Union Flag, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, without the British Union Jack.

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The fascinating story of the Star-Spangled Banner