Grand Union to 13 Stripes
On December 31, 1775, British commander Major General William Howe watched a group of colonists on Prospect Hill in Boston raise a ship’s mast into place. The next day, January 1, 1776, he realized it was a flagpole. Atop the pole flew a flag with 13 red and white stripes and the Union being the British Flag. Our first flag of the united colonies, the Grand Union Flag (also called the Continental Colors).
The story of Betsy Ross designing and making the first flag was first heard 100 years later in 1870, when her grandson, William Canby spoke at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania meeting. The validity of it was immediately questioned by historian George Preble and is believed to be a fable. Historians believe that Francis Hopkinson, a judge, author, composer, member of the Continental Congress, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and most importantly, Head of the Navy Board, designed the first Flag. He is the only person to have billed Congress for its design, requesting a quarter cask of public wine. His request was later rejected by Congress.