Betsy Ross Flag - Black Rock Fort

The First Stars and Stripes

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as our National Flag and the first U.S. flag recognized Internationally. Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, is credited with having made the first flag with thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen stars set in a circle on a blue field. In truth no one knows for sure who made our first flag.

The Name "Old Glory"...

is purported to have come from the nickname given to our flag by a sea skipper from Salem, Massachusetts named William Driver, who was presented with the Stars and Stripes by a group of Massachusetts citizens in 1831. Thrifty years later, during the Civil War, when pro-Unionist William Driver was living in Nashville, Tennessee, he had this flag sewn inside a bed quilt to keep it hidden from Confederate soldiers. In 1864, the Rebels tried to storm the new Yankee stronghold in Nashville, and William Driver hoisted the flag to full view ... threatening to "shoot up" the Confederates if any attempt was made to haul down "Old Glory." No attempt was made.

In 1782, the United States State Department explained the reasons for the three colors they selected for the United States Flag:

RED
for hardiness and courage

WHITE
a symbol of purity and innocence

BLUE
for vigilance, perseverance and justice.