Who made the first American flag?
The Betsy Ross Story Although the first American flag is deemed “the Betsy Ross Flag,” her actual involvement in its development is highly debated. Most historians and vexillologists agree that Betsy Ross probably didn’t design or sew the first American flag, but for more than a century Americans have accepted the story as history. Betsy Ross’ story didn’t surface until 34 years after her death, when her only surviving grandson, William J. Canby, presented a paper he wrote to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The paper included stories he had heard from his grandmother (Betsy Ross) and other family members throughout the years. Canby was 11 years old when his grandmother died, but the stories were kept in his family as an oral tradition. Below is a condensed version of the Betsy Ross story, according to Canby’s paper. In June of 1776, George Washington, who was a frequent visitor of Betsy Ross’ shop in Philadelphia, came to Betsy with a congressional committee com
” can only be given speculative answers. There are at least 17 flag makers and upholsters who worked in Philadelphia during the time the flag was made. Margaret Manny is thought to have made the first Continental Colors flag, but there is no evidence to suggest she also made the Stars and Stripes. Other flag makers of that period include Rebecca Young, Anne King, Cornelia Bridges and flag painter William Barrett. Any flag maker in Philadelphia could have sewn the first American flag. As for the design, the vast majority of historians believe that Francis Hopkinson is the most likely candidate. Hopkinson was a Renaissance man of his era. As an artist, writer, inventor and musician, he achieved many feats. Politically he is known for his contribution to the design of the Great Seal of the United States, signing the Declaration of Independence, and serving in a variety of governmental positions. Hopkinson was a consultant to the second Great Seal committee in 1780, a few years after the f
