Betsy Ross is widely credited with making the first American flag in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War. The flag she designed consisted of 13 alternating red and white stripes to represent the original 13 colonies, along with 13 white stars in a blue canton to represent a new constellation. But why did Betsy Ross choose to use the colors red, white, and blue for her flag design?
Meanings Behind the Colors
There are various accounts given as to why Betsy Ross opted for red, white and blue for the American flag. One popular explanation is that the colors were based on the the colors of the coat of arms of George Washington. The coat of arms consisted of three red stars over two horizontal white bars on a blue background. Another legend claims that the colors were suggested to Betsy Ross by George Washington himself, based on the colors of his military uniform. The red, white and blue color scheme also reflected those used by England’s Union Jack flag. Since the United States was rebelling against England but still culturally and politically linked to its European heritage, the similar flag color scheme may have symbolized this connection.
The individual colors in the American flag were interpreted to have specific meanings as well. Red symbolized valor and bravery, white symbolized liberty and innocence, and blue represented vigilance, justice and perseverance. Betsy Ross intentionally chose these symbols of American ideals to be represented in the new nation’s flag.
Red and White King’s Colours
Another widely believed theory behind Betsy Ross’s choice of red, white and blue was that the red and white colors were known as the “king’s colors” during the Colonial period. The king’s colors were flown by the Colonial Army at the time and likely inspired the use of red and white in the flag’s design. The Continental Congress had also adopted the Grand Union Flag in 1775, which joined the king’s colors of red and white with the blue field of the militia’s flag.
By including the king’s colors in the design of the first American flag, this represented the Colonies breaking away from Great Britain while still honoring the nation’s heritage. The red and white stripes were a nod to the king’s colors and colonial roots, while the blue canton with its white stars symbolized the new republic the Colonies were striving to create.
Availability of Dyes
On a more practical level, the red, white and blue colors chosen for the American flag were simply a reflection of the dyes that were commercially available at the time. In Colonial America, common dyes included madder root for red, indigo for blue, and the easiest color to produce was white. Betsy Ross used these popular dyes for sewing flags because they were accessible and affordable. The resulting combination of the three primary colors formed the basis of America’s first iconic flag.
Connection to Landscape
Some historians believe Betsy Ross’s use of red, white and blue also represented features of the American landscape and aspirations of the new republic. The red symbolized the blood and sacrifices Americans were willing to make for independence and liberty. The white embodied the American ideals of ingenuity and determination to create a new democratic nation. And the blue mirrored the expansive skies over America full of potential and opportunity for the future.
Influence of Masonic Symbolism
Since many of the founding fathers including George Washington were Freemasons, this may have factored into Betsy Ross’s decision to use red, white and blue in designing the first American flag. The symbolic colors of Freemasonry are red, white and blue, representing fraternity, equality and wisdom. Freemasonry’s emphasis on liberty and enlightenment aligned with the values of the new American republic. Betsy Ross drew inspiration from Masonic color symbolism to embed meaning into the flag’s red, white and blue pattern.
Connection to French Allies
Another interesting theory behind the choice of colors is that red, white and blue were a nod to America’s French allies during the Revolutionary War. The French flag consisted of red, white and blue vertical stripes. Honoring France, which provided critical financial and military assistance against the British, demonstrated American solidarity. Maintaining positive relations with the French was important for the fledgling American republic in the aftermath of gaining independence.
Continuity With First Navy Flag
Some sources indicate that in 1775, the Second Continental Congress first authorized the creation of an American navy, adopting a naval flag consisting of 13 red and white stripes with a rattlesnake and the words “Don’t Tread on Me.” Since Betsy Ross designed her flag just a year later in 1776, the red and white stripes maintained continuity with the first navy flag while incorporating the new symbolism of white stars on a blue field.
Symbolism of the Thirteen Colonies
The newly declared United States of 1776 consisted of 13 colonies-turned-states. To symbolize the 13 original colonies, Betsy Ross configured the American flag with 13 alternating red-and-white stripes. The vertical red stripes likely represented the British heritage and blood of Americans, while the liberty-symbolizing white represented the shared goal of independence.
Conclusion
In summary, Betsy Ross chose the patriotic colors of red, white and blue for the first American flag due to a variety of historical, practical and symbolic factors. The red and white “king’s colors” honored Colonial roots while the blue represented future aspirations. The dyes were readily available and their meaning embodied American ideals. Freemasonry symbolism, French alliance solidarity, early naval flags and representing the 13 Colonies also potentially influenced the iconic color selection. When Betsy Ross sewed the very first Stars and Stripes flag, she changed the course of history by establishing the quintessential American color scheme. More than two centuries later, red, white and blue remain powerful patriotic symbols of the United States.
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Valor, bravery, blood sacrifice |
| White | Liberty, innocence |
| Blue | Vigilance, justice, perseverance |
