Betsy Ross (1752-1836)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Credited with making the first stars and stripes flag, Ross was a successful upholsterer. She produced flags for the government for over 50 years. As a skilled artisan, Ross represents the many women who supported their families during the Revolution and early Republic.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
A working upholsterer in Revolutionary Philadelphia, Betsy Ross is remembered by tradition as the maker of the first stars and stripes. What is certain is that she was a skilled artisan who sewed flags for the government for more than fifty years, sustaining her family through war and the young republic's early decades. Her story stands for the countless women whose labor and enterprise kept households and a new nation afloat.
Why it matters
Ross has become an enduring symbol of the American flag and of the working women whose contributions to the Revolution and early Republic too often went unrecorded.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Betsy Ross Housenearby · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallerynearby · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallerynearby · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art0.1 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studio0.1 mi away · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- United States Postal Service Museum0.2 mi away · 316 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Elfreth's Alley0.1 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.2 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.2 mi away
- First Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.3 mi away
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- 3J's Cafe0.2 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room0.2 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Places to stay
- The Philadelphia House0.1 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.1 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn's View Hotel0.2 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing0.2 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels0.2 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Betsy Ross
Themes & tags
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