The United States flag has undergone 26 revisions throughout history to represent changes in the nation. The original 1776 design included 13 red and white stripes to represent the original 13 colonies, and 13 white stars in a blue canton. Over time, new stars were added to represent additional states, reaching 48 stars in 1959 and 50 stars in 1960 with the addition of Alaska and Hawaii. The flag is a symbol of the union of the 50 states and the basic design of alternating red and white stripes and stars on a blue canton has remained consistent through its evolution.