-
Birth
Betsy Ross was originally named Elizabeth Grissom. She was born in Philadelphia. She was born a Quaker -
The Start of Flag Business
Betsy Ross married John Ross, after his death she carried on the upholsterer business. She made flags for the state of Pennsylvania! -
Church Friends
On Sundays, you could find Betsy sitting is pew 12 with her husband. But many saw Betsy sitting in an adjacent pew with the new Commander In Chief, General George Washington. This could have been a friendship that resulted in the making of the American flag. -
Common Sense
The publication of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense". This impacted all Philadelphians, including Betsy Ross. It made rebellion swell in their hearts. -
Fractures in Loyalty
After the publication of Common Sense, Philadelphia began to split. Many saw themselves as loyalists. This angered Patriots like Betsy Ross herself. -
The Ultimate Meeting
On this date, Betsy's life changes drastically. She has a fateful meeting with George Washington, George Ross, and Robert Morris. They discuss the new design of the American Flag. -
Quartering in Betsy's Home
Betsy was forced to share her home with British Soldiers. The British were occupying Philadelphia. Also, the Continental Army was spending their winter at Valley Forge. -
Betsy's Distraction
The night before the Battle of Yorktown, Betsy supposably visited General Charles Cornwallis. She distracted him with intimate affairs. She may have caused a big enough distraction to cause Cornwallis's unpreparedness and surrender. -
Impressment of Soldiers Hits Betsy's Home
Betsy's second Husband died on a trip to help the Revolutionary cause. He was captured and impressed by the British Fleet. He was kept prisoner at Old Mill till his death. -
Continuation of Flag Making
After the death of her second husband, Betsy remarries. This time she marries a man named John Claypoole. They both continue the flag making business. -
End of an Era
Betsy and one other individual were the last ones to meet at the Quaker Meeting House. They both agreed to shut it down. Betsy watched as the doors were locked, signifying an end of an era. -
Death
Betsy Ross died at age 84. The date was January 30, 1836. She had greatly affected our new nation in many ways.
