First Flag Of The United States?

This may be an example of the design of the first official United States flag. (click to enlarge)
Fujifilm X-T2, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6mm lens + 1.4x tele-converter @ 186mm; 1/1000th sec. @ f/11; ISO 2500

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I really like this image.  I think it is the juxtaposition and contrasts of the of the smooth flowing and colorful flag of the fledgling United States against the start, craggy backdrop of an old, old grizzled tree, bare of color and its leaves.   

I spotted this flag flying in the wind in a remote area of one of the battlefields in Yorktown, part of the Colonial National Historical Park.  Yorktown was the site of the last battle of the American Revolutionary War, fought from April, 1775, before the signing of the Declaration of Independence from the Mother Country, England, and the end of the war in Yorktown in 1783, when the peace treaty was signed.

How did this flag come to be?

Before and during the American Revolutionary War, many different flags were displayed. After the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress realized one flag was needed to to represent the United States.  On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the following resolution:

"RESOLVED, that the flag of the 13 United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: That the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

Because the resolution was not specific there were a number of variations of the 13 star flag subsequently flown between 1777-1795.  The flag in the image above is represented to be the first, or so it is said.

Furthermore, legend has it that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag from a design by George Washington.  We were all taught that in elementary school.  However, this has never been substantiated. 

The first documented U.S. flag was the staggered star pattern shown above. A strong case can be made for the designer of the first flag as a Mr. Francis Hopkinson. Hopkinson, a delegate from New Jersey to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is reputed to have developed this particular design. He submitted a bill to Congress for "currency designs, design for the great seal of the U.S., a treasury seal, a design for the flag ..." 

This design was utilized from 1777-1795.  It proudly flies over the ground where men from both sides died in battle over what they believed was right and just.

Just thought you would enjoy a good story to go with an interesting image.

Also, Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln.  Today is the day my favorite President, Abraham Lincoln, was born.  Amazing man.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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