Great Star Flags

There's a period in American history where a lull fell between the creation of the 15- and 20-star flags. The United States government could not decide what to do with the flag each time a new state joined the Union. It seemed impractical to them to add a stripe and a star every time a new state was admitted. So, between 1796, when Tennessee was admitted, and 1817 when Mississippi joined, no change to the flag was made. It was in 1818 a suggestion to return to the original 13 stripe pattern and simply add stars to the canton was agreed upon.

There have been many Great Star flags over the years, but early records show that the 20-star Great Flag design was flown over the Capitol dome in 1818.

Captain Samuel C. Reid of the United States Navy is credited with suggesting that the stripes be 13, representing the original 13 states of the Union and that a star be added for each new state. Captain Reid also suggested that the stars be arranged to form one large start in the center of the Union. The original Great Star flag, the first of its kind, was made in New York City by Mrs. S. C. Reid, under the direction of her husband.

This flag was originally designed to be displayed on private ships as well on land. It's suggested that the flag was inspired by the United States Crest, which shows 13 stars in the shape of a six-pointed Great Star.

For nearly 35 years, Flags Unlimited has been serving the country's needs for well-made, exceptionally printed modern as well as authentic historical reproduction flags. 100% made in the USA, this durable flag is made from choice nylon for the material. Nylon balances the advantage of being lightweight and able to be picked up by the slightest breeze and repel sun and moisture. Nylon colors are often truer, more vivid and beautiful to behold.

Embrace the beauty of a country that is still growing every day, with a beautiful Great Star Flag of your very own today.