For today's posting, you'll see photos of a variety of early American flags in a variety of ways. But beneath (and sometimes above) each picture you will find information about each flag in the photos~
The criteria to be included in today's post, besides the obvious historical aspects, is that I must own the flag...
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I remember the 200th Now I'm taking part in the 250th! |
Yeah...I'm the guy that "needs more stuff!"
On top of everything I acquire, I also collect historic flags, and have done so for years - especially once I became a reenactor. It's been a fun journey --- collecting, for me, always has. Initially, my first historic flag was the Confederate stars n bars. Why that particular flag? Because this was in the early 1980s and I really loved traditional country music - still do - and it's with that connection that I purchased it. It was very old when I got it, though I have no idea of its age. I also have no idea where it is now - buried in my basement somewhere.
Betsy Ross Flag
The modern American Flag
My next one was an original pre-1959 48 star American flag. Again, I have no idea where that one is now---like the Confederate flag, it's probably buried in a box in my basement.
Both flags are made of cloth or cotton - it's been a long time since I've seen either one.
When I became a Civil War reenactor, I picked up a replicated "Yankee" flag that would have been familiar to someone living in the northern states in 1863.
Where is it now?
Why, in my basement, of course!
Why, in my basement, of course!
Sometime back in the 1990s, I purchased red, white, and blue buntings that I hang on my front porch beginning Memorial Weekend and don't take it down until just after Labor Day Weekend. Snow and ice can really ruin these things, you know.
So, once I became a Colonial reenactor, I began to fancy the early historic flags of America. I began, as most do, with the Betsy Ross flag, then continued on from there.
As I ordered my latest, I decided I would do a post on my flag collection, and include a little history lesson with each.
First off, I very much enjoy flying my flags from the front of my house. Oftentimes, if I am outside when people walk by, I almost always will receive a comment, generally in kind ("I like your flags"). There are a few times when the passersby might ask a question, many times not sure what to think of these strange, often unfamiliar designs (time for a history lesson).And then I'll proceed to tell them. Always a teacher, I guess.
Initially, flags were primarily used for military and government purposes, gradually gaining popularity among citizens. Ordinary Americans began flying the American flag during the Civil War in 1861. The flag's popularity soared as a symbol of Union resistance against the Confederacy. And even after the War flags were entrenched in American society. The 20th century saw patriotism rise then fall then rise then fall...depending on the circumstances---the last real peak being 9-11. Of course, there are those special days - 4th of July (Independence Day), Flag Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day - when a rise in patriotism will occur. Then there are those, such as myself and many of my friends, who will fly flags frequently or continuously. I know some who will only fly flags when their political party is in office (sad). And I know many - too many - who never fly them at all.
Better to not fly 'em than to be forced to fly 'em, right?
So...let's have, as Sheldon Cooper might say, fun with flags!
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Betsy Ross Flag An Appeal To Heaven / Pine Tree Flag April 18, 2025---America's 250th anniversary begins... |
Betsy Ross Flag
The Betsy Ross American flag is designed with 13 white stars on a blue field, arranged in a circle to represent the unity of the colonies. The stars are surrounded by 13 red and white stripes, representing the 13 colonies that declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. It was adopted as our official flag in 1777.
There are some who do not believe Betsy Ross made this flag, that this story is just that---a story...a mythical legend, and that Declaration signer, Francis Hopkinson, is the person who actually created the first. There are many pros and cons to this story, none of which can be proven (even though many tend to use opinions as fact). And, despite the absence of written records to prove the Ross story, there is mounting evidence leading more and more historians to believe her legend could be true.
I personally believe it to be true. I do believe Betsy Ross made what we call the first American flag. But that doesn't mean Hopkinson didn't design one either (only I believe his may have been a little later). I've researched beyond opinions and facebook memes to find whatever available information I could.
The sad thing is, it only takes one person to go against the grain and then everyone tends to jump on the bandwagon, for some odd reason, and I don't understand why. However, I have no qualms about questioning, but, please, if there is no proof either way, then don't state with absolute certainty, for not only are you lying, but you look foolish as well.
My own thoughts are that I'm not so sure that Francis Hopkinson actually did create the 1st flag. Betsy Ross's own daughter, Rachel Fletcher, wrote out an affadavitt about her mother's flag: "I remember having heard my mother Elizabeth Claypoole say frequently that she, with her own hands, (while she was the widow of John Ross) made the first Star-spangled Banner that ever was made. I remember to have heard her also say that it was made on the order of a Committee, of whom Col. Ross was one, and that Robert Morris was also one of the Committee. That General Washington, acting in conference with the committee, called with them at her house."
Obviously, we have no proof either way. As is typical today, sides will be taken and the opposite side is wrong.
An Appeal To Heaven / Pine Tree Flag
"And where the Body of the People, or any single Man, is deprived of their Right, or is under the Exercise of a power without right, and have no Appeal on Earth, there they have a liberty to appeal to Heaven, whenever they judge the Cause of sufficient moment." - John Locke
In the rich tapestry of American history, few symbols carry the profound weight the "An Appeal to Heaven" flag. This iconic emblem, also known as the Pine Tree flag, holds a special place in the hearts of those who cherish American values and the relentless pursuit of liberty.
The Appeal to Heaven flag was designed by Colonel Joseph Reed, who served as the personal secretary to George Washington. Originally commissioned for use on six military cruiser ships, the flag was adopted on October 21, 1775. It became the official Massachusetts navy flag in 1776.
From CNN (May 31, 2024):
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has been criticized for a flag flown at his New Jersey vacation house that has ties to both the American Revolution and far-right ideologies. The “Appeal to Heaven” flag, as it is commonly called, also stands outside of House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office in the Capitol building and has been proudly displayed by other Republican lawmakers. It has also appeared among crowds at far-right rallies and at the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Like many flags and historical symbols, the Appeal to Heaven flag has multiple meanings and has been used in differing capacities. The flag served as a naval ensign in Massachusetts until 1971, and until recently, flew outside San Francisco’s city hall alongside other historic flags.
Do you know what I say to this?
Screw everyone who thinks the way CNN does! Yes, I said it and I'll continue to say it.
Screw everyone who thinks the way CNN does! Yes, I said it and I'll continue to say it.
Look, it's a historic flag from America's Revolutionary period. That's why I fly it and why I'll continue to fly it.
Sheez...whatta bunch of idiots.
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Taunton Flag |
(from the New England Historical Society):
The people of Taunton, Massachusetts celebrate the Taunton Flag with a friendly festival on their green every October. But when first raised on an enormous liberty pole on Friday, October 21, 1774, the flag inspired an angry controversy.
The Taunton flag was one of the first flags used within the Thirteen Colonies to express dissension against the Crown. It also initially symbolised underlying loyalty to the Crown as the Union Flag was viewed as the King's Colors.
On Monday, October 24, the Boston Evening Post reported the story:
We have just received the following intelligence from Taunton… A liberty pole 112 feet long was raised. Attached to it was a Union flag with the words Liberty and Union sewed on...
The flag, also known as the Liberty and Union Flag, symbolized revolt against British oppression. The Evening Post story inspired flags with similar mottoes throughout the colonies.
One person unimpressed with the Taunton Flag was the wife of Dr. William McKinstry. According to Two Men of Taunton: "In the Course of Human Events, 1731-1829, Mrs. McKinstry,
…took no pains to conceal her contempt for the Patriots. Her neighbors endured her scorn for a while; then, one morning, these women of the New England Taunton, jealous because Mistress McKinstry was still enjoying her afternoon tea, proceeded to her house on High Street (as the women marched in Old English Taunton during Monmouth’s Rebellion), dragged her from her fireside, marched her down to the Green, and around the Liberty Pole in humiliating token of allegiance."
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First Navy Jack Flag Modern American Flag |
(from Flags.com):
When was the First Navy Jack Flag created? Historians are still debating the origin of the First Navy Jack flag and whether it was the ‘first’ US Naval Jack. What we do know is that Commodore Esek Hopkins of the Continental Navy instructed his navy vessels entering the Delaware River at the beginning of the American War of Independence to hoist a flag with 13 alternating red and white stripes. Additional correspondence between Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Sicilian allies describes a naval jack featuring 13 red and white stripes with a gold rattlesnake.
That rattlesnake had long been a symbol of American resistance to British rule. It originated with Benjamin Franklin’s famous 1754 "Join, or Die” political cartoon and was eventually immortalized as the Gadsden flag. The “Don’t Tread on Me” phrase originated around the same time but wasn’t applied to the rattlesnake naval jack flag until 1880.
The flag was celebrated at the United States Bicentennial with an updated design in 1976. It had another run through the 2000s and was recently removed as the standard US Navy Jack flag in 2019. The First Navy Jack flag remains in service on one ship: the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest actively commissioned vessel still afloat.
The modern American Flag
(the following came from a variety of sources, mostly Wikipedia)
The current flag of the United States is the twenty-seventh version of the national flag. When the Thirteen Colonies were seceding from the British, there became a necessity for a flag to symbolize the patriot cause and rally individuals for the Revolution.
The flag was created as an item of military equipment to identify US ships and forts. It evolved gradually during early American history, and was not necessarily designed by any one person. The flag exploded in popularity in 1861 as a symbol of opposition to the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. It came to symbolize the Union in the American Civil War; Union victory solidified its status as a national flag. Because of the country's emergence as a superpower in the 20th century, the flag is now among the most widely recognized symbols in the world.
Well-known nicknames for the flag include "the Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory", "the Star-Spangled Banner", and "the Red, White, and Blue". The Pledge of Allegiance and the holiday Flag Day are dedicated to it. The number of stars on the flag is increased as new states join the United States. The last adjustment was made in 1960, following the admission of Hawaii.
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Francis Hopkinson 13 Star Flag Sons of Liberty Flag |
Francis Hopkinson Flag
Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey, claims that he designed the “Stars and Stripes” that was designated as the national flag. The above resolution was adopted from the Marine Committee, who had been using these guidelines for flags since July 4, 1776. Francis Hopkinson was chairman of the Navy Board’s Middle Department which was under the Marine Committee at the time that these guidelines were established in 1776. On May 25, 1780, he requested a quarter cask of wine in payment for his help in designing the national flag and aiding in designing the Great Seal for the United States. After his letter went unanswered, he asked for £2,700. The Auditor General, James Milligan, and the Chamber of Accounts, investigated his claim and noted that Hopkinson was not the only person on the Navy Committee or the three Great Seal committees, so he should not singularly be called out and compensated for his work.
My honest opinion is that I believe both stories---both Ross and Hopkinson had their hands in this and both may have been around at the same time. However, I fly both because we do not know for sure which flag was the first, nor do we have written proof, such as a receipt, to give us absolute proof.
The story of the Sons of Liberty / Rebellious Stripes Flag cannot be told without mentioning all that lead up to its creation, including the Stamp Act and the various "acts" that followed.
In March 1765, the British government passed the Stamp Act – a tax imposed on different kinds of printed materials – which the colonists considered extremely unfair. The tax was created to fund British troops on the continent, and the colonists did not have any elected members in the British parliament, This is why the Stamp Act was labeled “taxation without representation”.
The Stamp Act led to widespread protests and unrest, especially towards British tax collectors. In Boston, a group of patriot businessmen called the Loyal Nine was formed to organize resistance against the Stamp Act. Later, this group evolved into the Sons of Liberty, which was formed in August 1765.
The Sons of Liberty was an underground group of patriots that organized protests and demonstrations against British taxation, which would sometimes turn violent. They were primarily a political organization, helping to sway public opinion against the British.
Boston Patriot Samuel Adams is often credited as being the founder and leader of the Sons of Liberty. Besides Sam Adams, other members of the organization included Joseph Warren, Paul Revere, Benjamin Edes, John Hancock, Patrick Henry, John Lamb, William Mackay, Alexander McDougall, James Otis, Benjamin Rush and many others.
The nine stripes on the Sons of Liberty Flag represent the nine colonies that attended the Stamp Act Congress – Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina.
This flag was used to signal meetings of the Sons of Liberty, especially at common gathering points such as the Liberty Tree in Boston, where a flag pole was erected in the summer of 1767. The first use of this flag likely dates to around August of that year.
When a meeting or a protest was to occur, a flag would be raised, where it could be seen by those around Boston Common.
In 1775, the Liberty Tree was cut down by Loyalists. The Sons of Liberty replaced it with the Liberty Pole – a flagpole that The Rebellious Stripes would later fly from.
The Sons of Liberty Flag remains an iconic symbol of colonial unity in the leadup to the American Revolution, especially against the Stamp Act. The law was repealed partly thanks to the efforts of underground movements like the Sons of Liberty.
But perhaps the most historically significant thing about this flag is how it inspired the first Stars and Stripes flag of 1777.
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Culpeper Minute Men Flag Grand Union Flag |
Culpeper Minute Men Flag
Organized on July 17, 1775 under a large oak tree in “Clayton’s old field” (later known as Catalpa Farm). When the Revolutionary War came, the Culpeper Minutemen chose the Patriot side. It was at this time that they also adopted their standard bearer.
The Minute Men took part in the Battle of Great Bridge, the first Revolutionary battle on Virginia soil. The Culpeper Minute Men flag is inscribed with the words, “Liberty or Death” and “Don’t Tread on Me.”
Grand Union Flag
The first “official” flag was “the Continental Colors,” also known as the “Grand Union Flag,” which consisted of thirteen red and white stripes and the United Kingdom’s flag in the upper-left-hand corner, also known as the canton. The Continental Army flew the flag until 1777.
The Grand Union flag was created during the first year of the Revolutionary War. The designer and exact date of creation are unknown, but it is credited as the first national flag of the United States. It was an important signal that indicated increasing separation from the British.
I personally first learned about this flag while visiting Colonial Williamsburg.
As David Hackett Fischer wrote in Paul Revere's Ride: Some units carried flags of great antiquity, which had been passed down from the Puritan founders of New England. One of them survives today in the town of Bedford, Massachusetts. It was made in England sometime in the 17th century, and used as early as 1659 in Massachusetts. Against a crimson background, it shows the arm of God reaching down from the clouds, with a short sword in a mailed fist. A Latin motto reads, "Vince aut Morire" (Conquer or Die). According to traditions of the town, this flag was carried on the morning of April 19, 1775, by Cornet Nathaniel Page of the Bedford militia.
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Taken at my house over the last few 4th of July neighborhood fireworks. It's become a tradition now. |
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Spirit of '76 / Bennington Flag Gadsden Flag |
(from Gettysburg Flag Works)
The original theory was that the Bennington Flag/Spirit of '76 was made for the Battle of Bennington in 1777 and was flown by the Green Mountain Boys. The Green Mountain Boys were a militia group that originally fought to gain Vermont its independence and adoption into the United States and played a pivotal part in the Revolutionary War. Even though this story would make sense—after all, it is called the Bennington flag—this view has been largely debunked, as the technology to create the Bennington flag didn’t even exist until the early 1800’s. A technical analysis done on the flag confirmed that the nature of its machine-woven fabric aligned with a creation date in the 19th century.
The second theory about the flag’s creation centers on Nathaniel Fillmore. This theory suggests that Fillmore wanted a flag to use during the War of 1812 that would serve as a reminder of the American spirit during the Revolutionary War. That may be why people refer to it as the “Spirit of ‘76.” Fillmore wanted a flag that would embody the sentiments of and the belief in freedom held by the American people. It is believed that Fillmore flew this flag during battles, where it could have gained more popularity.
The curator of textiles in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of History and Technology speculated that the flag may even have been a centennial banner, made in 1876.
I personally remember seeing this flag flying frequently at Bicentennial celebrations in 1976.
(from American Flags.com)
Gadsden Flag
Benjamin Franklin is renowned throughout history for his sense of humor. In the Pennsylvania Gazette, Franklin wrote a satirical commentary in 1751, suggesting the best way to thank the British for their habit of sending all their convicted felons to America would be to send England some rattlesnakes. In 1754, Franklin drew, carved, and published an American newspaper’s first political cartoon. This one was not quite as humorous as the first. Franklin used an eight-section cut-up rattlesnake to represent the colonies. The snake’s curves were suggestive of the coastline. South Carolina was the tail, while New England was the snake head. Written underneath the snake were the threatening words, “Join, or Die.” The American people adopted the rattlesnake symbol, and it became demonstrative over the years of the people and their ambition for self-determination.
By the time 1775 rolled around, the symbol of the rattlesnake was not only visible in the newspapers. It could be seen across the 13 colonies on flags and banners, printed on paper money, and imprinted on uniform buttons.
Colonel Christopher Gadsden designed the “Don’t Tread on Me” Flag in late 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. Along with the Liberty Flag, it was flown as a motto flag by the Continental Marines. Once the United States formally adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as its official flag, the Gadsden flag was mainly only a relic from the Revolutionary era for many years. It has seen several spikes in popularity after that. The Libertarians revered it for the symbolism it showed to the rights of the individual and a minimalistic form of government during the 1970s. Interest grew again after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, during the emergence of the Tea Party, and when Alabama became the seventh state to give approval to Gadsden-designed specialty license plates in 2014.
I also very much enjoy bringing my flags to some of the reenactments I participate in. I no longer camp so I no longer have a rent set up. But when I did, I brought flags along.
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This was at a Voyageur event a few years back. Now, I do not portray a Voyageur, but they do welcome me to join them as a Citizens of the American Colonies, and for that I am appreciative. You can see three of my historical flags a-flying in the breeze coming from Lake St. Clair. |
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Back when Detroit's Historic Fort Wayne used to hold reenactments, I would also bring along two and sometimes three flags. These two here were bearing the winds off of the Detroit River. |
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Here I am with my display at a timeline event I participated in. The flags behind me (from left): Grand Union Flag from 1775 Betsy Ross Flag from 1776 The Taunton Flag (Liberty & Union) from 1774 And in front we have the Gadsden Flag from late 1775 |
On July 31st of 2019 I had a very proud Sons of the American Revolution encounter.
Please note, at this time in my genealogy research, I have not been able to locate a Patriot veteran ancestor of the American Revolution. Of course, I've only done two family history lines - generally in a family tree, there would be 128 lines going back to your 5th great-grandparents (128 total ancestors). This is because each generation doubles, and 5th great-grandparents are 5 generations removed from you, so 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 32 x 4 = 128. Now I chose 5th great grandparents due to learning that most of my ancestors in that categorical line would have been born in time to fight in the American Revolution. It helps knowing at least two lines came over from England in 1710. So, who knows what may be found.
I did find a Patriot ancestor in my wife's line, and now she is in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
However, I was still honored by this illustrious group of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR--Detroit Metro-Chapter):
"Today, I had the honor of presenting the SAR Flag Certificate to the Giorlando family of Eastpointe, Michigan. Ken and his family are living historians, presenting and teaching various periods of American history all over the midwest. On any given day, you may find one or more of the Early American flags on display at their home. Ken is a good friend of the Detroit Metro Chapter."
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In 2019 my family and I were recipients of the wonderful flag commemoration you see me holding up. I began collecting historic flags nearly two decades ago and have been purchasing them ever since. I fly them at my house frequently, which garners great conversations from passersby, and I especially love to fly them at our historical reenactments, which also is a great teaching opportunity. It was such an honor. |
I greatly enjoy collecting and flying the historical flags of colonial America and the early Republic, but I must give thanks to Tom Bertrand for his input and sharing of his knowledge. He is a major flag collector - what is known as a vexillologist - and my first-stop go-to person for questions.
I do plan to add to this post as I continue to acquire more historic flags, so you may want to check back.
Until next time, see you in time.
To read further into my personal collection, click HERE
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