Official U.S. Flag: 15-Star

The Star Spangled Banner, the 15 Star Flag

The Star Spangled Banner: The 15-star, 15-stripe flag was created by the Flag Act of May 1,1795, adding 2 stripes and 2 Stars. This flag was the only U.S. Flag to have more than 13 stripes. It was immortalized by Francis Scott Key during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, Sept 13, 1814. The image above is representative of the actual flag that flew over Fort McHenry on that day and which is now preserved in the Smithsonian Museum. You can notice the "tilt" in some of the stars just as in the original Star Spangled Banner.

Where the original Star Spangled Banner went...

1814 The battle occurred, and the flag won its glory. Armistead was promoted to Lt. Colonel by Madison, and given the flag when he retired.

1818 Armistead died, and legend says that the flag was used in his funeral. Afterwards, his daughter Georgiana Armistead retained possession of the flag.

1824 The flag was used in a reception for General Lafayette. Sometime afterwards, Georgiana gave the flag to her son, Even Appleton.

1860's The flag, ironically, was sent to England for safe keeping during the Civil War.

June 24, 1873 The flag was displayed in the Charleston Naval Yards, and one of the first photographs was taken of it.

1876 The flag was loaned to the Smithsonian for the Centenial Celebration.

1912 Even Appleton donated the flag to the Smithsonian.

1914 Almari Flowler was commissioned to replace the original "sack cloth" backing with linen.

Official Flags of the United States
13-Star	15-Star	20-Star	21-Star	23-Star
24-Star	25-Star	26-Star	27-Star	28-Star
29-Star	30-Star	31-Star	32-Star	33-Star
34-Star	35-Star	36-Star	37-Star	38-Star
43-Star	44-Star	45-Star	46-Star	48-Star
	49-Star	Presidents	50-Star

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