Betsy Ross Making the First Flag
1776 (artwork ca. 1954)
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According to legend, Betsy Ross created the first American flag after a visit from General George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. However, Ross's involvement in the design and creation of the first flag seems largely fictitious. It is likely that her grandson, William J. Canby, developed the story in the 1870s and that her only connection to the American flag was as a Philadelphia flag maker who sewed flags and banners for the United States military.
This is a copy of a 1954 painting attributed to Frank McKernan.
This is a copy of a 1954 painting attributed to Frank McKernan.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer.
National Archives Identifier: 530982
Full Citation: Photograph 111-SC-92968; Betsy Ross Making the First Flag [According to Legend]; 1776 (artwork ca. 1954); Photographs of American Military Activities, ca. 1918 - ca. 1981; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Record Group 111; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/betsy-ross-flag, July 8, 2025]Activities that use this document
- Comparing Depictions of Betsy Ross
Created by the National Archives Education Team
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