On September 9, 1850 – 165 years ago – California entered the Union after being a republic, not a territory of the United States. It was as if a foreign nation had decided to join the U.S. – and it brought its own state flag along. “On June 14, 1846, a small band of settlers… continue
In the four decades between 1878 and 1918, three major artists in France and America who are marking significant anniversaries deployed their talents to create dozens of striking images of flags. They captured the movement, colors and patriotic echoes of the banners. The list includes Claude Monet, who was born 175 years ago; Vincent van… continue
Most Americans are taught the Pledge of Allegiance as young students, eager to pay tribute to their flag and their country. However, few Americans really know how the Pledge got its start. The Pledge of Allegiance has had a very interesting history. The pledge was born in 1892 when Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, created… continue
A young artist from the Midwest caused a sensation in 1909, little knowing she would inspire a flag that saluted sports at Saint Louis University, thanks to a coach’s portly shape. The cause was her creation of an inanimate object called a Billiken. Florence Pretz was an aspiring artist and illustrator with an interest in… continue
The American flag is one of the most recognizable flags in the world. With its trademark white and red stripes and 50 bold stars, it’s hard to imagine it looking any other way. However, the American flag wasn’t always the stars and stripes we know today. In fact, the U.S. flag has gone through many changes – 26 to be… continue