Did you know…the story about Betsy Ross creating the first flag may be a myth? Although elementary-aged school children have been taught since the late 1800s that Betsy Ross made the first flag, the story is likely apocryphal.
Betsy Ross allegedly sewed the first flag in 1776, however, she wasn’t given credit for it during her lifetime. Her proposed role in this endeavor did not surface until 1870, when her grandson, William Canby, publicly conveyed her story to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Canby told the historical society that Ross had often recalled a visit she had received in late May or early June of 1776 from three men: General George Washington, Robert Morris, who was a financier of the Revolutionary war, and Colonel George Ross, the uncle of her late husband, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
During this meeting, according to Canby’s re-telling of his grandmother’s story, she was presented with a sketch of a flag that featured 13 red and white stripes and 13 six-pointed stars. She was asked if she could create a flag utilizing the design presented to her. Ross agreed, but with minor modifications.
To support his claim, Canby presented affidavits from Ross’s daughter, niece, and granddaughter. His story was subsequently published in 1873 in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine.
It is plausible that Betsy was asked by Colonel Ross to construct a flag, and it was reported that Ross attended church with Washington and Morris.
It has also been proven that Ross made flags. A receipt dated May 29, 1777, was found showing she was paid more than 14 pounds by the Pennsylvania State Navy Board for making “ships colours.”
However, a number of historians credit the first flag design to Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence, who also assisted in designing seals for various U.S. government departments.
Hopkinson sought payment from the Board of Admiralty in 1780 for his design of the “flag of the United States of America.” His payment request was denied because “he was not the only one consulted” on the design.
The fact remains that there is no compelling evidence such as letters, diaries, newspaper accounts, or bills of sale that Ross, who was then known as Elizabeth Claypool, either constructed or had a role in the design of the first American flag.
Furthermore, the “iconic” 1893 painting of Ross sitting in her Philadelphia parlor with the flag in her lap is a scene invented by artist Charles H. Weisgerber.
In conclusion, until credible evidence is found to support the claim that Betsy Ross made the first flag, it will remain a mystery.
