How the American Flag Evolved Into a Revered National Symbol

The American flag was an afterthought during early Independence Day celebrations and did not become an important part of Fourth of July festivities until the mid-19th century.
The U.S. flag became a permanent part of the White House in the mid-19th century and laws were passed in the mid-20th century regulating how it should be handled and displayed.
In the 1960s, laws were passed making it illegal to show disrespect toward the American flag.
The American flag’s transformation into a sacred national symbol reflected how the country itself changed and developed into a global superpower.
The history behind the American flag’s origins and Betsy Ross’s role in designing it are uncertain and debated.