Unveiling the Legends: The Colorful History of Unofficial American Flags

Think of the American flag, and you'll likely envision white stars on a blue field, juxtaposed with red and white stripes. However, beyond this iconic imagery lies a tapestry of lesser-known flags flown, either in part or in whole, to represent our nation. These flags feature symbols like rattlesnakes, pine trees, and even unconventional blue stripes. Join me as we unravel the tales behind these intriguing emblems of America's diverse history.

Betsy Ross Flag: Sewing the Seeds of Liberty

 Betsy Ross House, "Flag room", Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Public Domain Image

Our journey through time begins in 1776, a pivotal year in American history. Legend has it that three notable figures—George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and later the first President of the United States; Robert Morris, a prominent financier of the Revolution and signatory of the Declaration of Independence; and George Ross, a delegate to the Continental Congress and uncle of Betsy Ross—approached the skilled seamstress Betsy Ross to create a flag for the fledgling nation. Betsy Ross, known for her expertise in upholstery and flag-making, crafted what many hail as the first American flag, though it never received official status. The Betsy Ross flag featured 13 stars meticulously arranged in a circle, symbolizing unity among the original colonies. According to popular lore, Betsy suggested using five-pointed stars instead of the more complex six-pointed variety, making them easier to cut—a design choice that endures in the stars of today's American flag.

You're correct in noting the chronological overlap between the Betsy Ross flag and the Revolutionary War era. To maintain clarity and continuity in your blog post, it would be more accurate to transition differently. Here's a revised version that aligns with the chronological flow while avoiding redundancy:

Gadsden Flag: Don't Tread on Me!

Gadsen Flag; Christopher Gadsden (1724–1805), Lexicon, Vikrum, Public domain image

Continuing our journey of discovery, we find a distinctive banner stirring attention. Named after Christopher Gadsden, a patriot and delegate from South Carolina to the Continental Congress, this flag features a coiled rattlesnake, poised and ready to strike, against a bold yellow field. Below the snake, the motto "Don't Tread on Me" boldly defies British oppression and warns off all who dare challenge the spirit of liberty.

The Gadsden Flag was primarily used by the Continental Marines and Navy during the American Revolution, symbolizing American naval and maritime strength. Persisting beyond its historical roots, the Gadsden Flag remains a potent symbol today. It is often employed to signify a commitment to individual liberties and resistance against government overreach.

Bennington Flag: Ringing in Independence!

Image of Bennington Flag Courtesy of Makaristos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Continuing our exploration of American flags, we encounter another significant symbol from the Revolutionary War era. Named after the pivotal Battle of Bennington in 1777, this flag embodies the spirit of independence and resilience. The battle led to a decisive American victory, boosting morale, securing crucial supplies, and significantly advancing the momentum of the American Revolution. The Bennington Flag displays the year "76" in the canton, commemorating the Declaration of Independence. The exact symbolism of the stars on the Bennington flag is not definitively documented in historical sources, but they are thought to represent the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Britain in 1776. The stars alongside "76" visually reinforce the theme of American independence and unity among the colonies during the Revolutionary War era. The positioning of two stars in the upper corners of the canton is unique among historical American flags. The Bennington Flag remains an enduring symbol of the early struggle for American independence and is celebrated for its historical significance and patriotic symbolism. Today, the Bennington Flag remains a powerful symbol of American heritage, reminding us of the enduring values that shaped our nation.

First Navy Jack: A Salute to Naval Valor

Image of First Navy Jack courtesy of Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven L. Shepard, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As we delve further into American history, the young United States Navy proudly raised the First Navy Jack aboard its ships. This distinctive flag featured 13 horizontal red and white stripes to honor the original thirteen colonies and prominently displayed an uncoiled rattlesnake alongside the powerful slogan "Don't Tread on Me." The rattlesnake, a native American species known for its defensive nature and lethal strike, symbolized the resolve and readiness of the American Navy to defend its interests at sea.

While the Gadsden flag and the First Navy Jack both feature a rattlesnake and the motto "Don't Tread on Me," they have different designs and historical contexts. The Gadsden flag shows a coiled snake on a yellow background, while the First Navy Jack has red and white stripes like the national flag, with an uncoiled snake. These flags were used in different ways during early American history. The First Navy Jack was flown by the U.S. Navy in the early years of the Revolutionary War, showing defiance against British rule and a commitment to protecting American maritime interests. The Gadsden flag became a symbol of American independence and resistance, used widely by military units and civilians during the revolution.

The First Navy Jack not only represented naval strength but also stood for protecting American sovereignty at sea. Its legacy lives on in U.S. Navy traditions, reminding us of the courage of early American sailors who fought for freedom.

Serapis Flag: Victorious Valor at Sea

A painting, currently at the Chicago History Museum, depicting a sketch of the flag flown from prize HMS Serapis as Capt. John Paul Jones sailed into Texel, Holland following the Battle of Flamborough Head in mid-Sept. 1779. The flag features 8-sided stars and blue stripes, similar to a design favored by Benjamin Franklin, a friend of Jones.: Courtesy of Erulabs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Picture the scene: During the Revolutionary War, John Paul Jones stands aboard the captured British ship HMS Serapis, proudly raising the Serapis Flag. With its design featuring 13 stars and stripes, this flag boldly declares American victory over British naval forces and symbolizes the triumph of American courage and tenacity in the face of formidable odds—a moment etched forever in the annals of American naval history.

Jones' raising of the Serapis Flag was a pivotal moment that symbolized more than just a military victory. It represented a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War, showcasing American resolve and ingenuity at sea. The capture of HMS Serapis and the hoisting of the Serapis Flag demonstrated the fledgling nation's capability to challenge and overcome powerful adversaries, bolstering morale and international recognition of America's determination for independence.

The Serapis Flag, a powerful symbol of American independence and victory, holds significance as a historical artifact commemorating the courage and resilience of early American sailors.

1776 Flags: United in Revolution

The Betsy Ross Flag is a famous example of a 1776 Flag.

During the American Revolutionary War era, the term "1776 flag" usually referred to flags featuring 13 stars and stripes. Since there wasn't a standard national flag yet, patriotic flags came in all sorts of designs. They were crafted by local communities, militias, and folks showing their support for the revolution against British rule. Some flags had stars in circles, rows, or other arrangements, with stripes of different patterns. Each design symbolized the unity and determination of the American colonies fighting for independence.

Appeal to Heaven Flag: Pine Tree of Freedom

1885 Illustration from an old High School textbook, titled "History of the US". Shows the "Appeal to Heaven" pine tree flag sometimes used by New England ships; public domain image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

During the American Revolution, a distinctive flag emerged with a white field adorned by a prominent pine tree and the bold inscription "An Appeal to Heaven." This flag became a poignant symbol of the colonists' fervent plea for divine intervention in their struggle for freedom and justice. The imagery of the pine tree, a towering symbol of endurance and resilience, reflected the colonists' belief in their righteous cause against British tyranny.

The phrase "An Appeal to Heaven" encapsulated their conviction that their fight for independence was not just a political endeavor but a moral imperative sanctioned by higher principles. By invoking heaven's support, the flag embodied the colonists' faith and determination in the face of adversity. Raised defiantly above the colonies, it served as a rallying symbol, inspiring patriots and uniting communities in their quest for liberty.

The flag's significance extended beyond its visual representation; it symbolized the spiritual and ideological foundation of the American Revolution. It reinforced the colonists' resolve to persevere against overwhelming odds, trusting in divine providence to guide them through the trials of war and towards a future of self-determination.

Final Thoughts from Janalyn Voigt

From the sewing rooms of Betsy Ross to the decks of a captured British ship, these unofficial American flags reflect the unyielding spirit of liberty that defines the American identity. They remind us that the journey to independence and unity is woven with countless threads of bravery and sacrifice.

Let us celebrate the diverse tapestry of American history and honor the men and women who have bravely stood for freedom throughout the ages. Their stories live on in these flags, fluttering proudly as symbols of our shared heritage and enduring commitment to freedom.

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre.

Learn more about Janalyn Voigt and the books she writes.

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OLD GLORY

History of the United States of America Flag

by Martha Rogers

With Flag Day coming on June 14, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about our flag. The actual beginnings of our flag as we know it, are surrounded by controversy and differing opinions. Although Betsy Ross is the name most associated with the origin of the flag, a congressman named Francis Hopkinson is most likely the one to have designed it. In fact, one historian said the flag was not the design of any one person, but the compilation of many. Betsy Ross is claimed to have been the producer of flag, but evidence for and against her family claims exists.

Reasons for doubt:

·         No records show any one person or committee assigned to design the flag.

·         No evidence George Washington and Betsy Ross knew each other

·         No mention ever made any diaries or letters of Washington

·         Flag Resolution of 1777 first documented meeting with discussion or debate about a flag.

Support:

·         George Washington was in Philadelphia in the spring of 1776 where he served on a committee that approved money for acquisition of tents and other sundry articles for the Continental Army.

·         On May 29, 1777, Betsy Ross was a paid a large sum of money from the Pennsylvania State Navy Board for making flags.

·         Rachel Fletcher, Betsy’s daughter gave an affidavit of the story.

·         Paintings depicting Betsy with George and sewing on the flag lend support to the story.

Before the official new flag was commissioned, the very first flag flown for the Revolutionary troops was the Union Flag carried the first year.

After that, the “Betsy Ross” flag is seen in most depictions.

However, until 1912 there were no stipulations for the order of the stars or the proportions of the flag. The only two requirements were that the stars be on the blue background, and there were to be 13 red and white alternating stripes, except for the years 1795 to 1818 when the flag had 15 stripes. At that time, the flag went back to 13 stripes and one star for each state, with new states to be added on the 4^th of July following the states admission.

Here are a few of the various forms displayed before the standard was adopted.

In 1912, Taft established the proportions for the flag and provided the arrangement of stars to be six rows of eight each with a single point of the five-pointed star be upward. The staggered rows came into being with an Executive Order by President Eisenhower in 1959. Later that year, the star arrangement become nine rows staggered horizontally and eleven rows staggered vertically.

In the early years of the flag, it was seen only with army troops and at special celebrations of our country. It flew over forts, federal buildings, and at other government functions. It flew at Ft. McHenry during the famous battle when Francis Scott Key penned the words to the song, The Star Spangled Banner, which became our National Anthem. That flag rests in the Smithsonian Institute today.

As the years progressed and people became more patriotic, the flag was flown at more and more events and especially at Flag Day exercises and celebrations. 

On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.

Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.

President Wilson established a Flag Day and it was celebrated for years, but June 14^th became the official date in an Act of Congress signed by President Truman in 1949.

Certain rules of etiquette surround the use, display, and retirement of the American flag fondly known as Old Glory. These are the rules in general:

The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.

The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.

The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.

The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.

The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

There are others, but these are the main ones to be followed by American citizens. It is flown at half-mast on the occasion of deaths of prominent leaders such as the President or military/government leaders. 

One of the most famous pictures of our flag in war times is the one of it being raised on Iwo Jima. I was a young girl when I saw it in the newsreels and then on a magazine cover. It is a picture I'll never forget.

This week as we celebrate Flag Day and honor Old Glory, remember the battles she has seen, the many coffins of military heroes she has covered, and the ones commemorated by flying her at half-mast.

If, like me, you learned something new about the flag today, tell me what you learned or some other fact not mentioned here.

Martha Rogers is a free-lance writer and writes a weekly devotional for ACFW. Martha and her husband Rex live in Houston where they enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.  A former English and Home Economics teacher, Martha loves to cook and experimenting with recipes and loves scrapbooking when she has time. She is the Director of the Houston Christian Writers Conference held in August each year. She has written three historical series, Winds Across the Prairie and Seasons of the Heart and The Homeward Journey. Her new contemporary series, Love in the Bayou City of Houston and novellas, Christmas Blessing, Love Comes to Bluebonnet Inn, and Garden of Love are now available on Amazon.  

Find Martha at:  www.marthawrogers.com