The US Flag Act of 1818 was a significant legislative measure that established a standardized flag design for the United States. This law came at a time when the nation was expanding, and the number of states was increasing. The act mandated the return to a flag featuring 13 stripes, representing the original colonies, while stipulating that a star would be added for each new state admitted to the Union. Crucially, the act specified that new stars would be included on the flag on July 4 of the year following a state’s admission, thereby creating a celebrated annual tradition tied to Independence Day.

The legislation was driven by the desire to ensure that the flag would accurately represent the number of states and maintain a sense of unity among them. Initially, the US flag had been altered frequently with each new state, leading to confusion and inconsistency in its appearance. By standardizing the design and schedule for adding stars, the Flag Act addressed the need for a cohesive representation of the expanding nation and emphasized the importance of the flag as a national symbol. The introduction of this flag design underscored the significance of statehood and the collective identity of the United States.

In creating a continuous and consistent flag design, the Flag Act of 1818 contributed to the formation of American national identity. It turned the flag into a powerful symbol of democracy, statehood, and unity that would endure throughout subsequent years of national growth and change. Each July 4, citizens would celebrate both their independence and the membership of new states in the Union as commemorated by the flag's evolving design, creating an annual ritual steeped in national pride.