The Last Outpost of Common Sense

On this day, Congress passed the Flag Act of 1818, a defining moment in the evolution of the American flag. Following the War of 1812 Congress set the design that brought us the flag as we know it.

The Act established two lasting principles:

• The flag would return to 13 stripes, honoring the original colonies

• A new star would be added for each new state, ensuring the flag grows with the nation