Bicentennial Flags
Within the verdant heart of Southlake lies Bicentennial Park — a hub for America's pastimes old and new and a living exhibit chronicling the evolution of national unity through its unique display of flags. The park honors the country’s growth with six historical flags at its eastern and western entrances, each unfurled high as both a historical resource and a tribute to the country’s enduring legacy.
As its name suggests, Bicentennial Park was dedicated to the public in 1976 during the country’s bicentenary. In addition to the many baseball fields and brand-new pickleball courts, park goers can and should appreciate the patriotic flag displays that showcase the evolving designs of the national flag from the union's infancy to present day.
The historical displays begin chronologically with the 1775 Continental Colors, also known as the Grand Union Flag, representing America’s initial bond with Britain while yearning for independence. Following is the iconic Betsy Ross Flag from 1776, the acclaimed first American flag, with its circle of 13 stars signifying the unity of the Thirteen Colonies.
By 1795, the flag evolved to comprise 15 stars and stripes, symbolizing Kentucky and Vermont's entrance into the Union. This design was famously immortalized as the Star-Spangled Banner — the banner that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
With the 1818 flag, America returned to 13 stripes to honor the original colonies, arranging the 20 stars to indicate each state. This practice was preserved, as reflected by the 1846 variant which included 28 stars following Texas's admission as the 28th state.
The series culminates with the familiar 1960 flag, which exhibits 50 stars after Hawaii joined the Union, solidifying our country's expansive reach from sea to shining sea.
As we look ahead to celebrating Independence Day, Bicentennial Park’s flags serve as markers for reflection, inviting us all to ponder our nation’s developmental strides from a nascent republic to the United States of America we all know and love today.