Why did Betsy Ross make the first American flag?
Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia upholsterer during the American Revolutionary War, received credit for making the first American flag, though no documented proof exists that she made it. Ross’ grandson made the claim about his grandmother in 1870 with signed affidavits by family members, according to the Betsy Ross House website. Some other information, though, indicates why Ross may have made the first American flag.Flag MakerWhile Ross’ involvement in making the first American flag hasn’t been proven, the trained upholsterer did serve as a flag maker in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War, as did a number of other women in the area. They took on military flag making to support their businesses when other jobs declined.Oral TraditionAccording to the Betsy Ross House, George Washington, along with George Ross, a member of the flag committee, and Robert Morris, visited Betsy Ross in 1777. During the visit, Washington presented a “sketch of a flag with thirteen red and white stripes and
