Description
Own a piece of American history with our US-made First US Navy Jack flag! This iconic American historical flag is deeply rooted in Revolutionary history, representing a symbol of independence and resistance to tyranny. Fly the First Navy Jack flag as proudly as the early revolutionaries and navy ships did by displaying these thirteen stripes up high.
Our 1st Navy Jack flag is manufactured in the United States out of nylon, a durable and weather-resistant fabric. The lightweight nylon material allows it to fly easily in sea breezes and dry quickly after becoming wet, helping prevent mildew buildup. The classic striped design and rattlesnake are digitally printed for intricate details and vibrant, fade-resistant colors.
Each 1st US Navy Jack measures 3’ by 5’ and comes equipped with a sturdy canvas header and brass grommets for simple attachment to any outdoor flagpole. This size is an excellent match for our 6’ tangle-free pole for land-based displays.
First US Navy Jack Product Details
- Made in America
- 3' x 5' size
- Official 1975 design
- 100% premium nylon
- Strong canvas heading
- Rust-resistant brass grommets
First Navy Jack Flag Meaning & History
Historians are still debating the origin of the First Navy Jack flag and whether it was the ‘first’ US Naval Jack. What we do know is that Commodore Esek Hopkins of the Continental Navy instructed his navy vessels entering the Delaware River at the beginning of the American War of Independence to hoist a flag with 13 alternating red and white stripes. Additional correspondence between Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Sicilian allies describes a naval jack featuring 13 red and white stripes with a gold rattlesnake.
That rattlesnake had long been a symbol of American resistance to British rule. It originated with Benjamin Franklin’s famous 1754 "Join, or Die” political cartoon and was eventually immortalized as the Gadsden flag. The “Don’t Tread on Me” phrase originated around the same time, but wasn’t applied to the rattlesnake naval jack flag until 1880.
This flag was celebrated at the United States Bicentennial with an updated design in 1976. It had another run through the 2000s and was recently removed as the standard US Navy Jack flag in 2019. The First Navy Jack flag remains in service on one ship: the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest actively commissioned vessel still afloat.
