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This chapter covers all questions about the United States Flag including its history, evolution, and proper etiquette.

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Did Betsy Ross sew the first American flag?

According to popular ledged, in June 1776 Betsy Ross was visited by George Washington, George Ross, and Robert Morris of the Continental Congress and given the task of creating the first American flag from some sketches Washington had made on paper. Originally the design called for 6 pointed starts, but Betsy suggested 5 pointed stars as she could make a 5 pointed star in a single snip. According to the ledgend, Ross sewed the flag in her parlor, and had it done in time for it to be flown at Independence Hall on July 8, 1776 as the Declaration of Independence was read aloud.

This popular ledged is supported by the established fact that Betsy Ross and George Washington attended the same church and that Betsy had sewed buttons for George Washington. Furthermore, Betsy's daughter and other relatives swore oral affidavits attesting to her role in the sewing the first flag. Some historians have tried to make a case that Francis Hopkinson (a member of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration) was the creator of the first American flag.

This question was answered by Jeremy Petersen.
It was last updated on May 22, 2006 at 9:42:11 AM CDT.

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Comments

Comment made by Guandoong Riek on March 27, 2007 at 7:16:22 PM CDT
but who sewed the first flag

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