The Betsy Ross Flag
There is some question about who actually created the first American Flag. Traditional schoolbook history says that it was Betsy Ross. The story goes that General George Washington, and two members of a congressional committee, George Ross and Robert Morris, visited Mrs. Ross in 1776. They discussed several designs, and notably that Mrs. Ross convinced George Washington to change the shape of the stars in a sketch of a flag he showed her from six-pointed to five-pointed for ease of cutting.
Although the “Betsy Ross” flag is a symbol of American patriotism, Wikipedia says the origin of the flag is based on a questionable family legend. The Betsy Ross myth was first started by Ross’ grandson, William Canby, who presented a historical paper in 1870 that his “grandmother made the first flags of the United States in June 1776.” Canby claims his grandmother was asked by George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross to make the flag. It looks like some of the facts may have been lost or embellished in the 100-year gap.
The familiar 13 red and white stripes representing the 13 original colonies were probably her design. She used a similar design in a flag made for the Pennsylvania fleet. There are records of payment to her from the Pennsylvania Navy Board in 1777.
The circular star arrangement though should be credited to Francis Hopkinson, a member of the Continental Congress. Hopkinson also designed most of the elements of the Great Seal of the United States. The claim is backed up by a claim made to Congress in 1780 requesting payment for his designs. It appears that Hopkinson was the only person to make such a claim at the time and it was undisputed.
The truth is probably that there were many contributors. It is also noted that there was not one U.S. flag design, instead, it evolved and there were 17 designs from 1779 to 1796. Still, history books credit Betsy Ross as the creator, so we’ll go along with her being one of the principals. The US Post Office celebrated the 200th anniversary of her birth with a commemorative stamp.
It’s also interesting to note that history may have goofed a bit on Betsy Ross’ home too. The Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia is a popular tourist attraction. Yet, most historians agree that the actual location was probably a house that sat next door. It’s still an interesting and educational take-in if you’re in Philadelphia. Check it out at their official website.
The Betsy Ross flag has a complicated history. The flag features 13 stars on a blue background and 13 red and white stripes. It was approved by the Continental Congress in 1777 and, although Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross almost certainly did not make the first flag, that’s not what’s controversial now.
-Nike is facing a major backlash after canceling the release of a new sneaker that features the so-called Betsy Ross flag, over its perceived link to an era of slavery. -Colin Kaepernick did not like the design of a patriotic sneaker and the footwear company nixed it. -This is essentially what Colin Kaepernick said: “People who look like me, yes, July 4th is America’s Independence Day, but, not everybody in this country had their independence on July 4, 1776 and, in essence, that’s what that flag reminds them of”.
-The flag was flown during a period of widespread slavery in the United States. -Well, it’s important to know the government officially used a 13-star flag from our inception all the way through 1916. -In recent years, the flag is one of a number of symbols co-opted by members of the radical patriot movement and some white supremacists.
-Die, Muslims! Die, fake Christians! Die, Jews! -In 2017, white supremacist Jeremy Joseph Christian was seen at a free speech rally in Portland with a 13-pointed flag draped over his back. He was subsequently charged with murder after allegedly stabbing three people on the train. In 2016, students at a predominantly white high school in Michigan donned the flag at a football game against a largely Black school.
The school district superintendent apologized to those offended by the flag, calling it a symbol of exclusion and hate. Despite these controversies, the flag is still used in a number of official capacities today. -You can’t drive through any neighborhood anywhere in the United States without seeing people having 13-star flags flying from their house.
-Corporate caving to the left and I think that’s a shame. It’s sad. -His people, I mean, died under that flag, you know? So. And were slaves under that flag, so, yeah, I think it makes perfect sense.
Source Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRa8R0Y35xc