15 Star and Stripe Flag

The original thirteen stars and stripe flag was soon outdated as Kentucky and Vermont were added to the union in 1791 and 1792.  Two new states meant two new stars and stripes were needed and the 15 Star and Stripe Flag was created.

15 Star and Stripe Flag
15 Star and Stripe Flag

The 15 Star and Stripe Flag flew over a lot of history.  It was the design that flew over Fort McHenry to inspire Francis Scott Key to write The Star Spangled Banner. In 1805, the 15 Star and Stripe Flag flew over a military installation in the Old World for the first time when American Marine and Navy troops raised it over a conquered pirate stronghold in Tripoli.

Later, the 15 Star and Stripe Flag was our official banner in the war of 1812.  It flew over the Battle of Lake Erie in September 1813 when our Navy defeated the Royal British Navy in one of the biggest naval battles of the war.  And it was flown by General Andrew Jackson during his victory at The Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815.  It was the victory that ended the War of 1812 .

Star Spangled Banner 15 Star and Stripe Flag

The famous 15 Star and Strip Flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star Spangled Banner has been restored and is on permanent display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.  The special display is designed to protect the flag, yet allow visitors a close look.

Adding More Stars

The early 1800s saw a lot of new states added to the union, and Capt. Samuel C. Reid proposed to Congress that the stripes be returned to 13 representing the thirteen original colonies, and that a star be added for each new State. In 1818, President Monroe signed a bill creating a flag with 13 stripes and 20 stars with the provision that, as new states were added, a star is added to the union of the flag on the fourth of July following its date of admission.