Representation of States

Each star on the flag represents one of the 50 states of the United States. This tradition began with the original 13 stars, which symbolized the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain and became the first states of the Union[1][2][4].

Historical Evolution

As the United States expanded and new states were admitted to the Union, the number of stars on the flag was increased accordingly. Key milestones include:

The addition of stars for states such as Vermont, Kentucky, and those formed from the Louisiana Purchase.
The Missouri Compromise in 1820, which balanced the admission of slave and free states.
The Civil War, during which West Virginia was admitted as a separate state.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries, when states like Texas, California, Alaska, and Hawaii were added[2][4].

Final Adjustments

The last adjustments to the flag were made in 1959, when Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states, respectively. The 50-star design was officially adopted in July 1960, following an executive order by President Dwight D. Eisenhower[3][4].

In summary, the 50 stars on the American flag symbolize the unity and growth of the United States, representing each of the 50 states that comprise the nation.