Who was Betsy Ross? Biography Elizabeth Griscom January

Who was Betsy Ross?

Biography Elizabeth Griscom January 1, 1752 – January 30, 1836 8th of 17 children the Quaker family

First flag The Grand Union Flag (the First National Flag) BUT ! never any official status used in the American Revolutionary War

The Flag Resolution of 1777 On June 14, 1777, the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress: “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation. ”

The Betsy Ross flag motifs of alternating red-and-white striped field with white stars in a blue canton the five-pointed stars in a circle

Request Betsy Ross in her upholstery house George Washington George Ross Robert Morris

Request

House a sign on the outside which read: "First Flag of the US Made in this House."

Why historians believe it could be so: George Ross, a member of the Flag committee, was the uncle of Betsy's late husband, John. It was common for upholsterers to take up other forms of work during wartime.

Why historians believe it could be so: They were no longer getting their regular upholstery work, so many upholsterers made money by making tents, uniforms, and flags for the soldiers. On May 29, 1777, Betsy Ross was paid a large sum of money from the Pennsylvania State Navy Board for making flags.

How did it come to us? 1870 her grandson William Canby speech to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Canby swore he heard the story from Betsy's own mouth.

Nowadays Visit Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday in January and February. Suggested Admission $3 adults/seniors $2 children 12 and under/students Audio Tour $5 (includes admission)

Sources: http://www.betsyrosshouse.org/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betsy_Ross_flag