What is the significance of a historic flag?
Over the history of the United States of America, various flags evolved, many representing specific states, regiments and branches of service.
These flags during battle were a rallying sight where soldiers could locate their units when hidden by the haze of smoke and carnage across the battlefield.
George Stewart shared an article by the Smithsonian Magazine telling the story of 17 historically significant flags which flew during the American Revolution. Most have been restored, some are current works in progress.
Now, 17 of these flags are on display at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. “Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags” opened on April 19, 2025 —the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard ’round the world.”
During the American Revolution—and before the United States standardized its familiar stars and stripes—the patriots carried hundreds of different flags. Decorated with classical figures, animals and slogans, only about 30 of these early American flags survive today.
Please click on the link below to learn more about these flags, their significance and stories.
Did you also know …..
That the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is the guardian of a treasure of flags known as the Miller Flag Collection. This collection includes sixty-five historically significant flags. Below is an article published in 2024 about this collection.
Also, there is a link to a brochure highlighting the collection of flags in the Cincinnati SAR collection. This collection was donated by Captain Howard Miller to the Cincinnati Chapter of the SAR.
https://cincinnatisar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Miller-Flag-Collection-Brochure-Ver4.pdf
Miller Flag Collection – What a Treasure! Do you know about it?
