July 31st, 2010 
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American Flags During the Revolution
The recent HBO mini-series John Adams shows many historical American flags, which were used during the Revolutionary War period.
These flags were early versions of the national flag and some were used by regiments during the war. For example, shown in the opening credits one of the flags, the Culpepper flag.
This flag represents a group of about one hundred minutemen from Culpepper, Virginia. The group was part of Colonel Patrick Henry’s First Virginia Regiment from 1775. In October-November 1775 three hundred such minutemen, by Colonel Stevens, assembled at Culpepper Court House and marched led Williamsburg.
Their unusual dress alarmed the people as they moved through the country. The word “Liberty or Death” were in large white letters on the breast of their hunting shirts. They had money, the tails in their hats and in their belts, tomahawks and scalping knives.
Another flag that is used during the show, is the Grand Union Flag. This flag was never officially adopted by the Continental Congress, but it is generally considered the first flag of the United States
recongnized This flag was a change in the British flag Meteor. In its blue canton was the red cross of ST. George and the white cross of ST. Andrew. The thirteen stripes signified the original colonies.
The Washington Cruisers Flag is also another flag in the opening credits of the mini-series shown.
This flag was George Washington on his squadron of six schooners which he used equipped at his own expense in the fall 1775th This flag was a variation of the New England Pine Tree flag. It was later amended by the Massachusetts Navy.
The Sons of Liberty would rally under a large tree, in Boston, Massachusetts, which became known as “The Liberty Tree”. This tree was a symbol of American independence. Knowing they were against a great military power they believed they cope with even greater power to ensure that their “appeal to heaven”.
If you are interested in the history of early American flags more visit our historic flags section of our website.
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