FLAG DAY: the Second Continental Congress passes the Flag Act of 1777, replacing the Crosses of Saint George and Saint Andrew, of the Grand Union Flag. with a blue canton containing 13 six-pointed stars, one for each State.

      NOTE: Although no specific pattern for the start was proscribed by Congress, the most common design used was by former Delegate Francis Hopkinson, of New Jersey: five alternating rows, three rows of three stars, and two rows of two stars.  The Betsy Ross design of 13 stars in a circle was hardly ever utilized.

       [restored 7/30/2021]