On July 4,1912, the U.S. flag grew to 48 stars with the addition of New Mexico (January 6th, 1912) and Arizona (February 14, 1912) Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 - established the proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward. This flag was official for 47 years, longer than any other flag, through two World Wars and the emergence of the United States of America as the leading nation of the world. Eight Presidents served under this flag.
In January of 1959, Alaska was granted statehood and the American flag grew to include 49 stars. This happened during the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The 49 star flag flew for only a year before Hawaii became our 50th State. The 50 star flag flies to this day.
