New Jersey has no shortage of hometown legends. We proudly claim innovators like Thomas Edison, music icons like Bruce Springsteen and sports stars like Cherry Hill native Jalen Brunson. But long before "The Boss" and basketball MVPs, one of the colony's most famous daughters was Betsy Ross.
Best known as the woman associated with America's first flag, Betsy Ross was born Elizabeth Griscom on Jan. 1, 1752, in Gloucester Town — today's Gloucester City, New Jersey. She spent only her earliest childhood here before her large Quaker family moved across the Delaware River to Philadelphia, but her New Jersey roots are an important part of her story.
As a young woman, Betsy learned sewing from her great-aunt and trained as an upholsterer, a skilled trade that involved creating and repairing furniture, draperies and other household textiles. While apprenticing, she met fellow upholsterer John Ross. The two fell in love, but because John was Anglican rather than Quaker, Betsy's family opposed the marriage. In 1773, the couple crossed the Delaware back to Gloucester Town, where they married at Huggs Tavern. Their marriage license was signed by William Franklin, the last royal governor of New Jersey and Benjamin Franklin's son.
The Rosses opened an upholstery shop in Philadelphia, where they produced military supplies, including tents, blankets and uniforms during the Revolutionary War. According to family tradition, George Washington later asked Betsy to sew a flag for the new nation. While historians continue to debate the details of that story, there is no question that Betsy Ross became an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship, perseverance and patriotism.
As the United States grew from 13 colonies to 50 states, the American flag evolved alongside it. Yet the story of Betsy Ross reminds us that ordinary people with extraordinary talents helped shape the nation's history. And that story begins right here in New Jersey.
Learn more about Betsy Ross:
Take a deep dive into the American Revolution with American History Online.
Brush up on current events through your Libby App! Libby has access to hundreds of magazines, including The Week Junior, a fantastic magazine for children offering current news and historical information.
Grab a book for everyone in the family:
Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble by Stephanie Greene
Who Was Betsy Ross? by James Buckley, Jr.
Heroines of the American Revolution by Diane Silcox-Jarrett
Betsy Ross and the Making of America by Marla R. Miller
And celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with events for all ages at your favorite branch, opens a new window!
