Popular Historic Flags for Collectors
Our wide selection includes pre-colonial and colonial flags:
- Betsy Ross Flag: The Betsy Ross flag features 13 stars for each of the colonies and represents one of the most notable stories about the American flag. Betsy Ross was a seamstress in Philadelphia, and when the founding fathers wanted a flag to represent the colonies, she created the first American flag with its five-point stars. As the 13 stars represent each of the colonies, the red and white stripes represent the nation's rebellion.
- Gadsden flag: American flags developed as the nation changed. Featuring a rattlesnake on a yellow background and the words "Don't Tread on Me," the Gadsden flag was created during the American Revolution in 1775 as a battle cry for American independence from British rule. You can see many versions in our inventory to suit your style and product preferences, including a standard flag, banner, embroidered patch, magnet and sticker.
- Commodore Perry Flag: The Commodore Perry flag features the slogan “Don't give up the ship,” in reference to Captain Lawrence's final words after bloody maritime combat during the War of 1812. While the U.S. Chesapeake and America's early military forces lost the battle that day, the dedication and patriotism Lawrence shared with his cry have become a true representation of the United States.
- First Navy Jack Flag: The history of the First Navy Jack flag is often debated, but we do know that Commodore Esek Hopkins of the Continental Navy required all navy vessels entering the Delaware River to hoist a red and white striped flag at the start of the American War of Independence. Correspondence between John Adams and Benjamin Franklin also mentions a gold rattlesnake, a symbol of American resistance thanks to Franklin's political cartoon from the mid-1700s.
- Come and Take It Flag: The Come and Take It flag originates from 1835 during the Battle of Gonzalez. This battle was the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution against Mexico. With tensions rising between the two areas, Mexican military leaders wanted to disarm Texans — starting with a cannon lent to the colonists at Gonzalez. The flag showcases the Gonzales cannon and features the “Come and Take It” slogan to represent the Texan resistance against the Mexican military.
The Symbolism of Historic American Flags
Various flags symbolize the rich history of America's places, events, and political stances taken during the 18th and 19th centuries. In times of tension, these symbols provided a crucial indicator of early American sentiments. These products revealed a party's specific origin on a ship before they walked ashore.
Today, flags still communicate our identities — such as our country, religion, academia, and other facets of everyday life. The colors and shapes of the designs portray valuable meanings.
For example, in the traditional American flag, white signifies innocence and purity, red portrays valor and hardiness, and blue signifies justice, vigilance, and perseverance. The stars represent the states, and the stripes symbolize the colonies.
Explore our collection of U.S. historical flags to find many designs from America's history.
Order Your Historic U.S. Flags From Flags.com
Our inventory includes something ideal for everyone — we sell standard flags, banners, flag sets, flag sticks with bases, magnets, and stickers. We make many of our historic patriotic flags with 100% nylon, a durable and strong material. You can display these products at home, in your office, classroom, or business.
Find your favorite flag and place your order today!
