Today is the 248th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America, with only two years to go to the Semiquincentennial Celebration of 250 years of independence.

Betsy Ross is widely acknowledged as the seamstress of the first American flag. However, did you know that her story was first told by her descendants in the 1870s, as America approached its centennial celebration and the Centennial Exposition being held in Philadelphia in 1876?

Betsy Griscom was born on 1 January 1752 in Gloucester, New Jersey. She married several times, first to John Ross in 1773, but he died in 1775. Her second husband was Joseph Ashburn, who she married in 1777, but he died in 1780. Her third and final marriage was to John Claypoole, who she married in 1783. Betsy outlived her last husband, too, as he died in 1817.

In actuality, Betsy Ross was one of several flag makers and upholsterers working in the city of Philadelphia and there is no direct primary evidence to prove that she, indeed, sewed the first American flag.

Betsy Ross was honored as both a patriotic symbol of our independence and as a representative of the many women who contributed to the cause during the American Revolution.

We’ll probably never know for sure the extent of Betsy Ross’s contribution to the creation of the American flag.

Betsey died on 30 January 1836 at the age of 84 years.

Have a Safe, Fun 4th of July Celebration!