About Betsy Ross' 13 Star American Flag

Named for flag maker Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross, the 13 star flag has been in use since 1777 and is a symbol of the Revolutionary War Era. Although the flag is named and attributed to Betsy Ross, the actual origin of the flag's design is still up for debate.

Betsy Ross was an upholsterer from Philadelphia. Her grandson, William Canby, claimed that Betsy was the creator of the flag that was adopted by Congress as the national flag on June 14, 1777 - and Betsy’s daughter, niece and granddaughter backed up Canby's claims. However, there is a lack of evidence to prove that it was really Betsy who created the 13 star American flag. Many historians dispute Canby's claim, with some believing that it was in fact Francis Hopkinson who designed the flag.

Despite the ongoing debate on who truly created this early American flag, the 13 Star American Flag has been widely attributed to Betsy Ross. In fact, the flag is often referred to as the "Betsy Ross Flag."

You can learn more about Betsy Ross and the flag that bears her name here.

Learn More About American Flags from the Revolutionary War Era

The Betsy Ross flag wasn't the only flag created during the Revolutionary War era. In fact, there are dozens of flags that have historical significance related to that period of American history. Find out more about flags of the American Revolution here.

Other American Flags

There are many versions and iterations of the American flag as we know it today. From historical flag designs to unique takes on the current US flag design, there are many options to peruse! Check out our wide selection of US flags for a glimpse at just how many versions and styles of the American flag there are.

Have Questions About the Betsy Ross 13 Star Flag, or Any Other American Flags?

Don't hesitate to reach out to our flag experts! We'd be happy to share what we know about these important historical flags, and we'll point you in the right direction if you're looking for a specific Revolutionary War flag in our inventory!

Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online and we'd be happy to assist you!