Liberty Flags from the American Revolution

The collection of Liberty Flags that we have here at Gettysburg Flag Works has always stood out to us. Recently, we stepped back from the day-to-day and reflected on why we make these flags and explore American history. After all, it’s not like making the highest quality historical flags is everybody’s goal out there!

Flags like the Sons of Liberty and the Fort Moultrie flag mean a lot to us. The more we learn about history, the more pride we feel for the country we live in. If you’re reading this, we’re sure you feel the same way.

Below you’ll find brief (but detailed) histories about A few of the Liberty flags we sell here at GFW!

The original Sons of Liberty Flag holds a significant place in American history as a very early symbol of colonial resistance to the British ruling at the time.

Here's a detailed background and history of the flag:

Origins of the Sons of Liberty

The Sons of Liberty was a secret organization formed in the American colonies in the mid-1760s to protest against British tax policies, mainly the Stamp Act of 1765. The group included prominent colonial figures such as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. While initially formed in response to taxation without representation, the Sons of Liberty played a pivotal role in organizing resistance that eventually led to the American Revolution.

Design and Symbolism of the Flag

The Sons of Liberty Flag, which had a coined name of the “Rebellious Stripes,” was made of 13 horizontal red and white stripes. These stripes symbolized the 13 American colonies and the unity among them against the British but the flag had 2 main variations over time, reflecting the evolution of colonial resistance:

• Nine Stripes: Early versions of the flag had nine red and white stripes, representing the nine colonies that participated in the Stamp Act Congress of 1765.
• Thirteen Stripes: By the time of the American Revolution, the flag had evolved to feature thirteen stripes, for the original American colonies.

The design may have had an impact on the creation of the American flag some 10 years later, as the stripes concept was carried over into the modern Stars and Stripes.

Use of the Flag

The Sons of Liberty used the flag as a rallying symbol during protests and demonstrations. Some of the most notable uses include:

• Stamp Act Protests (1765):The flag was raised during rallies and gatherings to signal opposition to British policies.
• Boston Tea Party (1773):The flag is often associated with the Boston Tea Party, a defining act of resistance where members of the Sons of Liberty dumped British tea into Boston Harbor in protest against the Tea Act.
• Liberty Poles:The Sons of Liberty often raised the flag on Liberty Poles, tall wooden poles erected in public spaces to serve as a visual representation of defiance against British rule.

Today, the Sons of Liberty Flag is both a historical artifact from the first of many major wars the US has fought in.

The "Appeal to God" Liberty Tree Flag, is one of our top selling Pine Tree Flags and is akin to the “Appeal to Heaven” Flag that George Washington flew proudly.

Here's an in-depth look at its background and history:

Origins and Design

The flag features a white field with a green pine tree and the inscription "An Appeal to Heaven" or less commonly,"An Appeal to God." The pine tree represented the resistance at the time, particularly against British restrictions on timber.

Historical Significance

• Colonial Resistance: The phrase "An Appeal to Heaven" is derived from John Locke's Second Treatise on Government, where he discusses the right to revolt against unjust governance which resonated with the American colonists' during their struggle for independence.
• Naval Use: In October 1775, General George Washington commissioned a small fleet of ships to intercept British supply vessels. Colonel Joseph Reed, Washington's secretary, suggested a flag design featuring a white background with a pine tree and the motto "An Appeal to Heaven." This flag became one of the first naval ensigns of the American Revolutionary forces.

An Appeal to Current Events

The "Appeal to Heaven" flag remains a symbol of American independence and the philosophical foundation the US was built on. It has influenced various state flags and has made headlines for its use in political ways more recently.

The Fort Moultrie Flag, often referred to as the Moultrie Flag, is a prominent symbol of the American Revolutionary War, representing early resistance and independence.

Origins and Design

The Fort Moultrie Liberty Flag was designed in 1775 by Colonel William Moultrie, commander of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment. Its purpose was to signal colonial defiance against British forces during the early stages of the Revolutionary War.

Check Out The Design Features:

• A blue field representing the militia uniforms of South Carolina troops.
• A white crescent in the upper left corner, inspired by the gorget worn on South Carolina soldiers' hats.
• The word "Liberty" added to the crescent in some versions, symbolizing the colonists' fight for freedom.

The Battle of Sullivan’s Island

The flag became famous during the Battle of Sullivan's Island on June 28, 1776, a key Revolutionary War conflict where Moultrie and his troops defended Fort Sullivan (later renamed Fort Moultrie) against a British naval assault.

During the Battle, the flag was raised over the incomplete fort, constructed primarily of palmetto logs and sand, which absorbed cannon fire effectively. This combined with the fort's successful defense prevented British forces from capturing Charleston, South Carolina, a significant victory for the American colonies.

Impact on South Carolina and the American Flag

The Fort Moultrie Liberty Flag is considered one of the earliest flags of the American Revolution and a precursor to the modern South Carolina state flag, which features a similar blue field and crescent design with a palmetto tree.

The palmetto tree was added to the state flag after the successful defense of Fort Moultrie, for the resilience of the palmetto-log fortifications during the battle as mentioned above!

Many American history stories involve the symbolic creation of flags through battles and wars. For example, you can learn all about how the Star Spangled banner was still standing after an attack on Fort McHenry!

The Taunton Liberty Flag was first raised on October 21, 1774, in the town of Taunton, Massachusetts. This was in the pre-revolutionary period when tensions were rising substantially between the American colonies and Great Britain.

Design Features:

• A red field symbolizing courage and defiance.
• A Union Jack in the upper left corner, signifying ties to Britain.
• The inscription "Liberty and Union," representing the colonies' demand for freedom while maintaining unity.

Historical Context

This Flag first appeared during a pivotal moment in response to the Intolerable Acts, which severely restricted colonial freedoms. The citizens of Taunton boldly raised this flag on a 112-foot Flagpole they had in the town square.

The phrase “Liberty and Union” emphasized the dual goals of achieving freedom from British oppression and maintaining unity among the colonies. This solidified Taunton’s place as a leader in the fight for independence, earning it the nickname, “The Cradle of Liberty.”

Why the Taunton Liberty Flag Matters Today

To us, the Taunton Liberty Flag is more than just a relic of the past—it is still flown by many Americans today! History lovers and flag collectors are drawn to historical liberty flags and others that were created in the revolutionary era, like the Bennington 76' flag or the Betsy Ross Flag. You can bring a piece of American history into your home with a high-quality digital print Taunton Liberty Flag or any of our liberty flags found in our historic flags section!

The Troutman Liberty Flag

The Troutman Liberty Flag is one of our favorite “under the radar” historical flags because it has such a great story behind it! It features the iconic motto “Liberty or Death” in a bold blue field (although, some sources say it was different), and was first made in Georgia but unfurled in Texas in support of Texan independence.

History of the Troutman Liberty Flag

The flag originated in Georgia around 1835. Joanna Troutman, just 18 years old, crafted the flag using white silk, featuring a lone blue star and the words “Liberty or Death.” It was presented to Georgia volunteers heading to Texas to support Texan independence from Mexico. The flag was raised at Goliad, Texas, on January 8, 1836, symbolizing the fight for freedom.

Troutman, just 18 years old, crafted the flag using white silk, featuring a bold lone blue star and the words “Liberty or Death.” This flag was presented to a group of Georgia volunteers who were on their way to Texas to help in the revolution. On January 8, 1836, the flag was raised at Goliad, Texas, and was likely a rallying point for the people seeking independence!

P.S. Do you see the resemblance between the Troutman flag and the current Texas Flag? Many historians point to the Troutman as a key inspiration for the Texas flag of today!

The Troutman Liberty Flag’s Legacy

It’s so inspiring to see how one person can affect history in a seemingly small way that ripples beyond imagination. You can take a step in your own independence with any of our historic flags, but if you would like the high-quality Troutman Liberty Flag on your flagpole, order yours today!

The Huntington Liberty Flag

If you haven’t heard of the Huntington flag, you're in for a treat. That’s because the story behind the evolution of this flag is incredible! Let’s jump in!

History of the Huntington Liberty Flag

The Huntington Liberty Flag’s first iteration was likely the British Red Ensign. Legend has it that when news broke out about the Declaration of independence, the people of Huntington were prepared!

The tensions had hit a palpable high and the residents of Huntington, New York, defaced the British red ensign by removing the jack and tearing off the written dedication to King George III.

But they didn’t stop there. The residents rewrote Liberty on the front of the now plain red flag and used the parts that were torn off in effigy that day!

Design Details of the Huntington Liberty Flag

The Huntington Liberty Flag stands out because of its vibrant red and contrasting white letters. This design stands out to us because it wasn’t thought out, but it perfectly captured what the revolution was all about.

Shop the Huntington Liberty Flag

This flag continues to inspire Americans today, as it is used in reenactments and has a background unlike any other flag! It is perfect for history lovers and can make a statement in front of any home. Get your Huntington flag or any liberty flag today with Gettysburg Flag Works!

The Schenectady Liberty Flag

This one of a kind square liberty flag represents a pivotal moment in early American history where dutch settlers in Schenectady wanted to make a statement against the incoming English settlers.

You can read all about it in our full breakdown of the Schenectady flag here.

The Schenectady Flag Design

Like all of these flags, the flag prominently displays the phrase “Liberty”, as it was first made in 1771, only 5 years before the declaration of independence. It is one of the only square flags that we know of, as it isn’t common, even today. The square shape and blue color make this flag pop off of poles, which is why many people choose this flag today.

Learn more about the history of the Schenectady Liberty Flag, or order one today to celebrate this iconic piece of history!

Get Your Liberty Flags Today

Here at Gettysburg Flag Works, we love history and the flags that have come out of the hardest of times. Oftentimes, people look at a flag and just see a piece of nylon or polyester, but most flags have a rich history behind them and carry a story.

Learn all about the history of the American Flag or the history of our American wars through the years or simply explore our American flags, made for patriots, just like you!

Shop now or give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 and find the Liberty Flag that is right for you!

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