Where to Find Historic American Flags
If you know me and my family, you know that we love our country. We love visiting the landmarks and sites that have helped form our nation and take every opportunity to learn more about our history and the stories that make us great. Over the last few years, we have visited some of the famous flags that have flown in American History. Here are some of the historic American Flags in the United States that we should all visit and learn about!
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Where to Find Historic American Flags
Of course, when you want to learn about historic United States flags, it makes sense to start at the beginning. Although historians cannot confirm that the first American Flag was actually sewn by Betsy Ross, it is the place that many consider to be the birth of the Star Spangled Banner. So we visited the home of Betsy Ross and spent time learning about her contribution to the history of America.
Star Spangled Banner Exhibit – Smithsonian
The next place you need to visit to learn about our American Flag is the National Museum of American History in Washington DC. This Smithsonian gives you the opportunity to view the original flag that flew over Ft McHenry when Francis Scott Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry at daybreak. His words tell the story – “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”
Viewing this Flag is an amazing opportunity that all Americans should experience.
**Note that you cannot take pictures of the actual flag on display due to preservation concerns.
Flag over Iwo Jima
On a recent trip to Washington DC, we had the opportunity to visit the US Marine Corps War Memorial statue, commonly referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial. This memorial is based on the photograph that was taken by Joe Rosenthal after the battle in the Japanese Volcano Islands which is recognized as the conclusion of the American campaign in the Pacific during World War II.
The memorial is dedicated to “the Marine dead of all wars and their comrades of other services who fell fighting beside them.” ~ Washington DC Guide
Ft Sumter Flag
When we visited Charleston, South Carolina back in January, we knew that one of the places we had to tour was Fort Sumter, where the Civil War started. On display in the museum inside the Fort is The Fort Sumter Flag. The Fort Sumter Flag’s design is quite distinct with 33 white stars arranged in a unique diamond pattern.
Read all about Fort Sumter and what to expect on your tour.
When we visited San Francisco last month, we saw the American Flag from the days when Alcatraz served as a fort back in the Civil War.
What historic flags have you had the opportunity to view or maybe there are United States flags that you want to see? I’d love to hear!
