The flags that made the country.
Historical Flags
Historical flags have always been an important part of our business. Al Cavalari spent years studying the history behind America's early flags and enjoyed sharing that knowledge with customers just as much as selling the flags themselves.
Today, we're proud to continue that tradition by offering a wide selection of historical flags, including the Betsy Ross, Francis Hopkinson, Bennington, Grand Union, Sons of Liberty, First Navy Jack, and many others.
Don't see the historical flag you're looking for? There's a good chance we've made it before, and if not, we can probably make it. Give us a call and we'll be happy to help you find or create the flag you need.
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For Civil War reenactors and collectors, we offer a selection of Union and Confederate regimental flags. Many are purchased in 3×5’ for office displays, collections, or framing. Cotton provides a more traditional look and feel, while nylon is better suited for outdoor use.
Revolutionary War flags remain popular throughout the year. The Gadsden flag, featuring the rattlesnake and DONT TREAD ON ME, is one of the most recognized designs and is available in cotton and nylon. The Bennington flag, known for its distinctive arrangement of seven-pointed stars, is another popular choice for historical and patriotic displays.
The names used for flags from the founding era can sometimes be confusing. The Betsy Ross flag specifically refers to a 13-star flag with the stars arranged in a circle. Although the name is sometimes used for any 13-star American flag, historical 13-star flags featured several different star arrangements. If historical accuracy is important for a school, museum, reenactment, or display, give us a call. We can explain the differences and help you choose the appropriate flag.
If you are looking for a specific regimental or historical flag that is not listed on our website, call us. We have sourced many hard-to-find designs for collectors and may be able to locate or manufacture what you need.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Historical Flags
What is the Betsy Ross flag and is it historically accurate?
The Betsy Ross flag — 13 stars in a circle on a blue canton — is the design most associated with the American Revolution, though its specific attribution to Betsy Ross is based on family oral history rather than documented records. The Francis Hopkinson design, which Hopkinson submitted a bill for in 1780, shows a staggered grid of seven rows rather than the circle pattern. Both are legitimate historical designs; we stock both and can explain the documented history of each.
What Revolutionary War-era flags do you carry?
We stock the Betsy Ross (circle and Hopkinson variants), the Bennington flag, the Grand Union flag (the Continental Colors), the Sons of Liberty stripes, the Bunker Hill flag, the Moultrie flag, and the Gadsden 'Don't Tread on Me' flag. For specific regimental or state militia designs from the period, call us — we've sourced obscure flags for collectors before.
Do you carry Civil War flags?
Yes. We carry Union and Confederate flags including specific regimental designs, corps flags, and several period CSA variants. These are available as 3×5 display pieces in both cotton and nylon. Civil War flags are ordered most often for display, framing, and reenactment use rather than outdoor flying — cotton is appropriate for display; nylon holds up better outdoors.
What is the Gadsden flag and what materials is it available in?
The Gadsden flag — yellow field, coiled rattlesnake, 'Dont Tread on Me' text — was used by the Continental Congress and the Continental Marines in 1775. It's one of the most consistently popular historical flags we carry, available year-round in cotton and nylon in standard outdoor sizes. The nylon version flies well and holds color; cotton is preferred for indoor display and framing.
Can I get a historical flag in a custom or unusual size?
For the most commonly requested historical flags, we stock standard sizes (3×5, 4×6, and sometimes 2×3). For custom dimensions — large display pieces, framing sizes, or specialty reproductions — call us. We've fulfilled custom orders for museums, living history sites, and collectors and can usually source what's needed.