Grand Union Flag, or as we call it... No Star Flag ;)
This 3 x 5 ft. flag has 13 stripes and a Union Jack in the upper left quadrant. It is a "bulldog"-style cotton flag. "Bulldog" signifies that a flag is heavyweight and 100% cotton, with embroidered stars (if present) and sewn stripes.

The flag was first flown in 1775 on the ship Alfred and was commonly used by the Second Continental Congress. The flag became obsolete in 1777, following the Flag Act's designation of requirements for the United States' flag.

38 Star United States Flag
This small flag mounted to a stick is likely the oldest and worst worn flag in the museum. It was donated by Glen Colby.

The thirty-eight star flag is often called the "Centennial Flag," because its use coincided with the United States' centennial in 1876. The 38th star was added to the flag after Colorado became a state. There were many different layouts used in 38 star flags.

"Bennington" 13 Star United States Flag
This 3 x 5 ft. flag features 13 stars around the number "76" and 13 stripes; however, each star has 7 points, rather than the usual 5, and the top and bottom stripes are white, rather than red.

The flag's design is associated with the Battle of Bennington, a Revolutionary war battle considered a turning point in the war. Legend claims that this flag was flown at that battle, but current scholarship suggests that the original flag was commissioned by Nathaniel Fillmore (a Revolutionary war veteran) in the early 19th century.

48 Star United States Flag
This large (9 x 12 ft) flag was donated to the museum by Emily Raco some time after 1986.

The forty-eight star American flag was adopted in 1918 after New Mexican and Arizonan statehood. It remained in use for 47 years until 1959, when the forty-nine star flag was made official. The 49 star flag was replaced by the fifty star one that we use today the very next year.

13 Star United States Flag
This small flag is mounted on a wooden stick. It is quite weathered.

The thirteen star flag, supposedly first created by Betsy Ross, is widely regarded as the United States' first flag. Historical evidence does not support the Betsy Ross story. The flag, or a similar one, likely came into use in 1777.

13 Star United States Flag
This 3 x 5 ft. cotton flag was manufactured by Annin Flagmakers (founded 1847).

The thirteen star flag, supposedly first created by Betsy Ross, is widely regarded as the United States' first flag. Historical evidence does not support the Betsy Ross story. The flag, or a similar one, likely came into use in 1777.

13 Star United States Flag
This particular 3 x 5 ft. nylon flag is only historically significant because it was flown right here at Storrowton Village before it became too faded and replaced. The flag was manufactured by Annin Flagmakers.

The thirteen star flag, supposedly first created by Betsy Ross, is widely regarded as the United States' first flag. Historical evidence does not support the Betsy Ross story. The flag, or a similar one, likely came into use in 1777.