"Old Glory" remained unchanged from 1777 until January 13, 1794. Congress then voted to add two stripes and two stars, in recognition of the admission of Vermont and Kentucky.

By 1818, there were a total of twenty states, so Congress voted in April of that year to standardize the flag. It was to have thirteen alternate red and white stripes, symbolizing the original thirteen states. A star was to be added to the blue field for each new state, on July 4 following admission.

This rule has remained in effect, bringing the flag up to its present 50-star status.