The "Flag of the United Colonies" displayed in 1775 featured three horizontal stripes

https://blogfreely.net/branoryccv/old-glory-is-beautiful-a-love-letter-to-the-stars-and-stripes

The "Flag of the United Colonies" displayed in 1775 featured three horizontal stripes and became flown by using patriots looking stronger autonomy from British governance sooner than full independence.