Explore the American flag's history as a term paper topic to learn all about its origins and the meaning of its colors. On the June 14, 1777 meeting of the Marine Committee, the Second Continental Congress issued this decree, "Resolved that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation." This meant that the Union Jack, symbol of British rule over the American colonies, was finally removed from the national flag and the new nation at last had its own design. This was not the end of the matter; since there was no set amount of points for each of the stars, and at least one early flag plate, found in a New Jersey encampment, bore 14, not 13 stripes.
The origins of the Declaration of Independence are shrouded in mystery and myths. History does not record who actually wrote the Declaration of Independence with iron gall ink on hemp paper. The National Archives has this to say, "While no one knows for certain who wrote it, it is known that early in its life, the large parchment document was rolled up for storage." The first two men to sign it were John Hancock and Charles Thomson, on July 4th, 1776. The majority signed it on August 2nd of that year, but some did not sign until five years later.
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13th, 1743, and died on July 4th, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was accepted by the Continental Congress. The 3rd U.S. president was a multi-talented and unconventional man, who designed his own home at Monticello and secretly submitted plans for the design of the White House for a competition held in 1792. Once he became President, he occasionally greeted guests wearing a robe and slippers.
At the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, riders were dispatched to carry the message from Lexington to Concord in order to warn patriot leaders of the advancing British troops. John Hancock and Sam Adams were among those who faced severe penalties if caught, so three riders were sent out to deliver the message. Only one rider made it through without any delay, and that rider's name was not Paul Revere, who was detained, then later released, by the British troops.