
The 15 - Star, 15 - Stripe Flag
Posted by:
MNSearchers
N 42° 29.200 W 096° 23.800
14T E 713957 N 4707096
The 15-star, 15-stripe flag was chosen for the interpretive center because it was the flag Lewis & Clark carried on their expedition, from 1803 to 1806
Waymark Code: WMHT7
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 07/19/2006
Views: 76
The explorers used it as their military banner as they approached Indian tribes in the new territory. It was the flag that later became known as “The Star Spangled Banner.”
The U.S. Flag has changed many times. In fact, it was officially changed two dozen times between 1777 and 1912. However, none of the U.S. Flag ever becomes obsolete. All are accorded the same respect and standards of etiquette given the current 50-star, 13-stripe flag.
The history of the United States Flag reaches back to 1777 when the Flag Act required 13 stripes. In 1795, an order of Congress required one star and one stripe for each state in the Union. But Congress did not specify the arrangement or proportions of the stars and stripes. The U.S. Flag displayed at the interpretive center was the most commonly used flag of Lewis & Clark’s time and remained so for 23 years.
It was the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key, a Washington lawyer, to write the verses of “The Star Spangled Banner” in 1814. Key had watched American forces fight back a British bombardment on Fort McHenry in the Baltimore harbor. As day broke and the flag remained in place, Key was moved to create what would eventually become the national anthem.
It wasn’t until 1912 that the design and proportions of the U.S. flag were set by executive order. The order was signed by President William Taft.
Where is original located?: Smithsonian?
 Where is this replica located?: Sioux City Iowa at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
 Who created the original?: Betsy Ross
 Internet Link about Original: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagtale.html
 Year Original was Created (approx. ok): 1770's

|
Visit Instructions:
Post at least one photo of the replica.