Saturday, 14 June 2025 09:44 pm
Flagging Interest
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deckardcanineYou’ve likely heard of Betsy Ross, upholsterer of yore.
The making of a U.S. flag is what she’s noted for,
Specifically the second one, developed to replace
The Continental Colors for a not-so-British face.
Alas, the only evidence is family tradition,
And almost all historians regard it with suspicion.
The story wasn’t publicized for more than 90 years
And wasn’t even written down before then, it appears.
If Ross had any input in the second flag’s design,
She changed the stars from six to five points; Washington said, “Fine.”
But in the Revolution, just one person made the claim
Of making the design, and Francis Hopkinson’s his name.
The making of a U.S. flag is what she’s noted for,
Specifically the second one, developed to replace
The Continental Colors for a not-so-British face.
Alas, the only evidence is family tradition,
And almost all historians regard it with suspicion.
The story wasn’t publicized for more than 90 years
And wasn’t even written down before then, it appears.
If Ross had any input in the second flag’s design,
She changed the stars from six to five points; Washington said, “Fine.”
But in the Revolution, just one person made the claim
Of making the design, and Francis Hopkinson’s his name.