As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, Americans will encounter a familiar sight this summer: flags flying above town squares, front porches, ball fields and government buildings – seemingly everywhere. Few flags, however, carry as much symbolic weight as the one flying above the White House.

For generations, the American flag over the president’s home has marked moments of celebration and mourning, war and peace, continuity and change.

But contrary to what many might assume, the White House did not always feature an American flag.

When did the American flag start to signify unity?

When President John Adams became the first resident of the newly completed Executive Mansion in November 1800, no permanent flag flew above the building. At the time, the White House was viewed primarily as the president’s residence.

Americans were more likely to encounter the national flag at military forts, aboard naval vessels or during public celebrations than atop the president’s home.

The familiar image at the White House emerged only gradually over the next several decades, as the presidency became more visible and the White House itself took on a larger place in American public life.

During the Civil War, Americans increasingly looked to Washington for signs of stability and leadership. Only months after the outbreak of war ‒ and at a time when the future of the Union remained uncertain ‒ President........

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