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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Six Flags Over Texas

Colorful Flags of Texas History

Historically, six nations have flown their flags over what is now the state of Texas. Beginning with the Spaniards back in the early 16th century, four different countries claimed Texas as their own. After Texas won her independence in 1836, she flew her own Lone Star flag as the Republic of Texas until she became a state and flew the Stars and Stripes. For the years of the Civil War, the CSA flag flew over our state.

SPAIN

Texas has a colorful history dating back to the 16^th century. In the year 1519, Cortez came to Mexico and claimed the land that is now Texas for Spain. A man named Alonzo Alvarex de Pineda then mapped the Texas coastline. Alvar Nunez and Cabeza de Vaca are among the Spaniards shipwrecked on those shores. Explorers like Coronado probed the vast wilderness, but deemed it too wild for habitation. The first Spanish settlement at Ysleta Mission in far west Texas was not established until 1681. The Spaniards then established other missions, forts, and civil settlements. The Spanish flag flew over Texas until Mexico won independence in 1821.

This is the flag most commonly flown by the Spaniards after 1785. It flew over the territory 1519-1685 and 1685-1821 The longest any flag flew over the land until the U.S. flag.

FRANCE

In 1685, France laid claim to eastern Texas in order to expand their land possessions west of Louisiana. The Spanish settlements were hundreds of miles away in the western half of the state. Two French noblemen, Rene Robert Cavelier and Sieur de la Salle, founded the colony Fort St. Louis. However, this colony was doomed from the start. Within five years shipwreck, disease, hostile Indians and even famine caused the decline of the colony which culminated with La Salle’s murder by one of his own company and brought an end to the colony and France’s claim on Texas. This flag flew from 1685-1690 when the land was reclaimed by the Spanish.

MEXICO

After winning her independence in 1821, Texas became a new frontier to be explored for both Mexicans and Anglos. Anglo Texans became Mexican citizens. Things were fairly smooth until a Mexican general, Santa Anna scrapped the federal constitution of Mexico and declared himself as dictator. He gained the reputation of being the “Napoleon of Mexico.” For a number of years the Texians as the anglo Mexicans were called, endured the hardships caused by Santa Anna. In 1836, they revolted and declared their independence. Hard fought battles at Gonzales, the Alamo, and at San Jacinto finally won the independence the Texas wanted. This flag few over Texas from 1821 to 1836.

TEXAS REPUBLIC

For ten years the Texans had independence and existed as a republic. Those years were filled with hardships. Epidemics, financial crises, and continuous battles with Mexican forces wore them down. It was during this period that the vivid imagery associated with Texas today was born. The American cowboy, Texas Rangers with their Colt six-shooters, and men like Sam Houston typified the rugged individualism of Texans. The red, white, and blue flag with the lone star was adopted by the Republic in 1839. This is the national Texas flag from 1836 to 1845 and still stands today as the Lone Star State Flag.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA
Sam Houston didn't want Texas involved in the Civil War and urged Texas to stay aloof or vote to become a neutral republic. Texans drove Sam Houston from office and sided with the South.  Because of their decision, Texas faced the same suffering and devastation as other Confederate states. The flag flown as the national emblem of CSA is different from the more familiar stars and crossed bars associated with CSA today. It flew over Texas from 1861-1865.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Texas became the 28th star on the United States flag when it joined the union in 1845. Then for the period of the Civil War, the flag was put away. After the war ended, the "Star Spangled Banner" returned to wave proudly over Texas as the national flag of Texas. Below are pictures of the U.S. flag of 1845 and the one we know and love today.

1845                                                                                             Today

Texas has a colorful history that didn't stop after she became a state. Stories about Texas and novels set in Texas are favorites with all cultures.

Many amusement parks sprang up using the Six Flags name with the original one being in Texas in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Were you aware of the many flags that few over Texas or how long the area had been occupied?

Answer the question in a comment below to enter the drawing for my latest book, Love Never Fails.  Be sure to leave your email address for contacting.

Martha Rogers is a free-lance writer and the author of the Winds Across the Prairie and Seasons of the Heart series as well as the novella, Key to Her Heart in River Walk Christmas and Not on the Menu in Sugar and Grits. Love Stays True and Love Finds Faith, the first and second books in her third series, The Homeward Journey, are now available. She was named Writer of the Year at the Texas Christian Writers Conference in 2009 and is a member of ACFW and writes the weekly Verse of the Week for the ACFW Loop. In addition to fiction, Martha has contributed to compilations by Wayne Holmes, Debra White-Smith and Karen O’ Connor as well as various devotion books. Martha is a frequent speaker for writing workshops and the Texas Christian Writers Conference. She is a retired teacher and lives in Houston with her husband, Rex. Their favorite pastime is spending time with their nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

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Because of what happened to her father and mother during the War Between the States, Molly Whiteman hates guns, violence and war. Stefan Elliot is an officer in the U.S. Cavalry. When the two meet, sparks fly in their attraction to each other. Stefan returns to his regiment leaving Molly torn between her love for him and her deep feelings about guns and killing. Tragedy changes Molly’s heart and brings them back together, but will Molly's love be enough to overcome the depression that has made Stefan a recluse from society?

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