Philadelphia, Betsy Ross House

Philadelphia, Betsy Ross House

We can’t resist showing you this (condensed) Wikipedia entry:  “The Betsy Ross House is purported to be the site where seamstress Betsy Ross (1752-1836) lived when she is said to have sewed the first American Flag. The origins of the Betsy Ross myth trace back to her relatives, particularly her grandsons, William and George Canby, and the celebrations of the Centennial of 1876.  Evidence for the precise location of Ross’ home came from verification provided by several surviving family members, although the best archival evidence indicates the house would have been adjacent to the one that still stands today.  The 1937 Philadelphia Guide noted that, after the current Betsy Ross House was selected as the Flag House, the adjacent building where Ross may have indeed lived ‘was torn down to lessen the hazards of fire, perhaps adding a touch of irony to what may well have been an error in research.’  Although the house is one of the most visited tourist sites in Philadelphia, the claim that Ross once lived there, and that she designed and sewed the first American flag, sometimes called the Betsy Ross flag, are considered false by most historians.”  Who knew??  Apparently lots of people.  Unmailed card with a woman’s name and 1974 date written at the bottom reverse.  Grade: 3

Name: Philadelphia, Betsy Ross House

From: USA AND (SOME) TERRITORIES/Pennsylvania

Code: 10139207

Price: $2.00