49 Star Flag

FIFTY-THREE YEARS AGO - On July 4, 1959, the 49-star flag became the official banner of the United States of America. Replacing the 48-star flag that had flown for forty-seven years and represented the nation during the Great Depression, World War II, and the Korean War, it became necessary when Alaska was admitted to the union earlier in the year. The 49-star standard flew only one year and was replaced on July 4, 1960 by our current 50-star flag after Hawaii was admitted on August 21, 1959.