Early Years and Marriage

Betsy Ross is thought to have sewn the first American flag. Born the 8th of 17 children to a Quaker family, Betsy learned to read, write, and sew at an early age. While working at her job as an upholstering apprentice, Betsy fell in love with John Ross, another apprentice. Because Betsy was a Quaker and John was an Episcopal, Betsy's family disapproved of the marriage and the Quaker church disowned the couple. Interestingly, the couple was married by William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin.

Betsy's Famous Flag

In 1775, two years after the marriage, the Ross' started their own upholstery business. With the start of the Revolutionary War, John joined the Pennsylvania Militia and was killed in 1776 by a gunpowder explosion. Betsy took over the business. According to legend (which has been proven to be not entirely true), Betsy received a visit from George Washington (whom Betsy attended church with), Robert Morris, and George Ross who presented her with a sketched image of a flag with six pointed stars. Betsy suggested five pointed stars and sewed it in her back parlor. Her flag first flew with the reading of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall on July 8, 1776.

Most Famous Quote

"I do not know whether I can, but I will try." – Betsy Ross

Discussion Questions

1. Why did Betsy's marriage cause conflict with her family and the Quaker church?
2. What impact did John Ross’s death have on Betsy's life and work?
3. Why is the story of Betsy Ross and the first American flag partly considered a legend?
4. How do Betsy Ross’s contributions reflect the role of women during the Revolutionary War?

Glossary

• Quaker: A member of the Religious Society of Friends, a Christian movement known for pacifism and simplicity.
• Episcopal: Related to the Episcopal Church, an Anglican Christian denomination.
• Militia: A military force made up of ordinary citizens to supplement a regular army in emergencies.
• Upholstery: The materials and work involved in covering furniture with fabric and padding.
• Legend: A traditional story regarded as historical but not entirely verifiable.

Five Interesting Facts

1. Betsy Ross was the 8th of 17 children in her family.
2. Her marriage to John Ross caused her to be disowned by her Quaker church.
3. She continued running their upholstery business after John's death.
4. The story of her sewing the first flag is legendary and partly unproven.
5. Her suggestion to use five-pointed stars instead of six has become iconic in the U.S. flag.

Timeline of Betsy Ross's Life

• 1752: Betsy Ross is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 1760s: Betsy becomes an upholstering apprentice.
• 1773: Marries John Ross, officiated by William Franklin.
• 1775: Betsy and John open their upholstery business.
• 1776: John Ross dies in a gunpowder explosion.
• 1776: Betsy allegedly sews the first American flag.
• July 8, 1776: Flag reportedly first flies at Independence Hall.
• 1793: Betsy marries Joseph Ashburn after becoming a widow.
• 1800: Betsy marries John Claypoole after Ashburn’s death.
• 1836: Betsy Ross dies in Philadelphia at age 84.