West Saint Paul Antiques

The first flag was sewn by Betsy Ross in May of 1776, just a few months before the Declaration of Independence was signed. The first official flag of the United States was made of thirteen stripes alternating red and white and a ring of thirteen white stars set on a field of blue. The design was shown to Betsy by George Washington.

Betsy Ross was approached by a committee sent by the Continental Army that consisted of George Washington, George Ross and Robert Morris. Betsy Ross knew George Washington well. They worshiped at the same church and were friends. George Ross was the uncle of her recently deceased husband. She was an upholsterer by trade and known for her skill in sewing.

This flag was officially recognized as the national flag on June 14, 1777 by an act of Congress. The design would change in 1795, with the addition of 2 more stars and stripes to commemorate Kentucky and Vermont joining the Union. By 1818 five more states had joined and Congress changed the flag again.

The new flag was to have 13 alternating red and white stripes and 20 stars. The star's arrangement became horizontal instead of circular. It was also decided that a new star would be added with each new state. New stars would appear on the 4th of July following the new state's admission into the Union.

Today we have 13 stripes alternating red and white and 50 white stars on a field of blue. The 13 stripes are to recognize the original 13 states. The colors also have meaning. Red represents hardiness and valor. Blue represent vigilance, perseverance and justice. White stands for purity and innocence.