June 14, 1777
On this day the Continental Congress resolved that America’s flag should feature 13 white stars on a blue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes, chosen to represent the 13 original colonies. By 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established every June 14 as Flag Day, and Congress enacted a statute in 1949 to do the same. You’ve likely seen plenty of American flag photos, but how much do you know about our grand old flag? Test your red, white, and blue IQ below. You might want to brush up on these American flag facts before you start the quiz.
Answer: B
The British Union Jack was in the upper left-hand corner of the first unofficial American flag. Check out these other interesting facts that will blow your mind.
An act signed in 1818 by this president called for the flag to have 13 stripes and one star for each state.
A. James K. Polk
B. James Buchanan
C. James Madison
D. James Monroe
Answer: D
James Monroe signed the act for the flag to have 13 stripes and one star for each state. If you think you’re a flag expert, see if you can guess the U.S. state by its flag.
What iconic World War II image won its photographer the Pulitzer Prize?
A. Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima by Joe Rosenthal
B. V-J Day in Times Square by Alfred Eisenstaedt
C. The Face in the Surf by Robert Capa
D. Mushroom Cloud over Nagasaki by Lt. Charles Levy
Answer: A
Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima by Joe Rosenthal won a Pulitzer Prize. Make sure you also check out these 10 tricky U.S. war questions.
When hung outside, the flag should only be displayed from when to when?
A. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
B. Noon to 6 p.m.
C. Sunrise to sunset
D. Sunset to sunrise
Answer: C
The flag should be hung outside from sunrise to sunset. These are other etiquette mistakes people don’t realize they make with the American flag.
The flag that inspired 1814’s “The Star-Spangled Banner” had 15 stripes and 15 stars. Which two states had joined the original 13?
A. Vermont and Kentucky
B. Alabama and Maine
C. Alaska and Hawaii
D. Louisiana and Mississippi
Answer: A
Vermont and Kentucky joined the original 13 colonies in statehood. Check out these 50 facts about these. 50 U.S. states.
Why is the American flag folded into a triangle?
A. To make sure no part of the flag (that is not on display) touches the ground
B. To showcase the stars, which symbolize America as a new constellation
C. To honor the battleships that have served us throughout history
D. To symbolize the tricorn hats of colonial soldiers during the Revolutionary War