Painting of Betsy Ross by Jean Leon Jerome Ferris. Betsy Ross (January 1, 1752 - January 30, 1836), born Elizabeth Griscom) is widely credited with making the first American flag. There is, however, no credible historical evidence that the story is true.
Painting of Betsy Ross by Jean Leon Jerome Ferris. Betsy Ross (January 1, 1752 - January 30, 1836), born Elizabeth Griscom) is widely credited with making the first American flag. There is, however, no credible historical evidence that the story is true. When the American Revolutionary War broke out her husband, John Ross, was a member of the local militia who was assigned to guard munitions and was killed by a gunpowder explosion. The 24 year old Betsy worked in the upholstery business repairing uniforms and making tents and blankets and stuffed paper tube cartridges with musket balls in 1779 for the Continental Army. Research conducted by the National Museum of American History notes that the story of Betsy Ross making the first American flag for General George Washington entered into American consciousness about the time of the 1876 centennial celebrations. Historians conclude that she was one of several flag makers and her main contribution to the design was to change the 6-pointed stars to the easier 5-pointed stars. She died in 1836 at the age of 84.
Size: 3943px × 2696px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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