48-Star Flag (1912)

New Mexico, a Territory since 1850, was admitted to the Union on January 6, 1912 as the 47th state.  Arizona followed on February 14, 1912.  On July 4, 1912 the nation's official flag became the 48-star flag.  This flag was in effect longer than any other United States flag.  Eight Presidents served during its 47 years: William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert C. Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt (the second President to die in office of natural causes), Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The United States entered World War I under this flag on April 6, 1917. It waved during the Roaring Twenties, the era of Prohibition and the Great Depression.  This stars and stripes waved during World War II and became an integral part of the Iwo Jima Memorial, located in Washington, D. C.  The flag was again in battle in Korea.

Under its reign, the League of Nations was formed, as was the United Nations, NATO and SEATO.  It flew into space in 1958.