Commander In Chief's Personal Flag
Bicentennial Flag Memorial
During the 1700’s, the political and economic interests of the colonists began to enlarge and disputes began to develop with Great Britain. After the defeat of the French and their expulsion in 1763, the colonists could focus even more of their attention on their economic growth and the extent of British interference with their progress. Within thirteen years, the British flag that was once the symbol of a mutually benefiting association became an emblem of oppression. The Stamp Act and their disagreements culminated in the Revolutionary struggle which began in earnest outside of Boston in 1776 and continued to 1781. Numerous flags were carried into battle during the initial stages of the Revolution. This reflected the fact that loyalties were with a particular colony or district rather than to a central colonial authority. Among the many flags of the Revolution was the Commander in Chief’s Personal Flag. This flag was flown by General Washington at Valley Forge and is thought to be the origin of the field of stars in the Stars and Stripes.
Courtesy hmdb.org
