Historical Flags

American Revolutionary War Flags & Historic U.S. Designs

From 13-star designs to Revolutionary-era banners, historical flags help tell the story of America's founding, national symbols and evolving traditions. BuyAmerican.com offers USA-made historical flags for collectors, homes, education, commemorations and outdoor displays.

Buy Betsy Ross Flags Made in America

Shop 13-star Betsy Ross flags in available nylon and polyester construction, with options for classic display and America 250 remembrance. Select the flag's fabric and attachment method according to your pole, installation and intended use.

Shop Gadsden, Bennington and Bedford Flags

Discover the yellow Gadsden “Don't Tread on Me” flag, the Bennington 76 flag and the Bedford flag as alternative early-American designs. Compare the historic symbolism and actual product details rather than treating them as interchangeable versions of the national flag.

Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary in 2026

Commemorative Betsy Ross-inspired 250th-anniversary flags connect founding-era imagery with the modern celebration of 1776–2026. They can be used for history-themed events, gifts and displays celebrating the nation's milestone anniversary.

Explore More American-Made Flags

• Betsy Ross Flags – Browse related 13-star and commemorative designs.
• Gadsden Flags – Discover available “Don't Tread on Me” styles.
• American Flags – Shop traditional modern U.S. flags.
• Flagpoles & Hardware – Find display equipment for compatible flags.
• All American-Made Flags – Explore the complete flag department.

Choose a historical flag above and display a meaningful part of American history, manufactured in the USA.

Buy American. Build America.

Display and sourcing resources: Refer to U.S. Flag Code display guidance when the U.S. flag accompanies this design, and FTC Made in USA standards to understand substantiated country-of-origin claims. Always review each flag's mounting, fabric and care requirements.

How to Choose a Historical American Flag

Different historic flags have distinct backgrounds and appearances. Choose the design that best suits the story, period or commemoration you want to represent, then consider materials, construction and display location.

Betsy Ross Flags and Thirteen-Star Designs

The familiar Betsy Ross flag features 13 white stars arranged in a circle on a blue canton, together with 13 red and white stripes. It is one of the best-known symbols of America's founding era, although the story that Betsy Ross personally created the first national flag is a tradition rather than an established historical fact.

The Continental Congress adopted a 13-star, 13-stripe flag resolution on June 14, 1777. That resolution did not specify a circular star arrangement, so the familiar Betsy Ross pattern should be distinguished from the resolution's original wording. Read our comparison of early American flag designs for additional context.

Our assortment includes outdoor nylon and heavier polyester Betsy Ross flags, plus commemorative variations. Visit Betsy Ross Flags Made in USA to see related designs.

Gadsden “Don't Tread on Me” Flags

The Gadsden flag is recognizable by its yellow field, coiled rattlesnake and “Don't Tread on Me” motto. It originated during the American Revolutionary period and has been used in different historical and modern contexts.

Browse available Gadsden outdoor flags and a version with additional edge grommets for wall hanging. The Gadsden flag should not be confused with the striped First Navy Jack design. For background, see our Gadsden flag history and buying guide.

Bennington 76 and Bedford Flags

The Bennington 76 flag is a recognizable early-American-inspired design distinguished by the large “76” within its canton. It is often associated with Revolutionary War commemoration, though the exact origin and historic use of surviving versions have been debated.

The Bedford flag is another historic banner associated with early American military history. Review the product artwork carefully rather than assuming all flags from the Revolutionary period shared the same stars-and-stripes pattern.

Current products include 3x5 Bennington and Bedford designs manufactured in the USA.

America 250 Commemorative Flags

America's semiquincentennial in 2026 marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Available commemorative flags incorporate Betsy Ross-inspired artwork with anniversary themes such as 1776–2026 and “We the People.” These are modern commemorative interpretations, not necessarily exact reproductions of flags documented in 1776.

Select a traditional historical design if authenticity to a particular pattern is your priority, or choose a commemorative design when honoring the 250th anniversary.

Choose Material, Size and Mounting

• Nylon: Relatively lightweight and commonly suited to outdoor display in lighter or moderate wind.
• Polyester: Heavier constructions are available for selected historical designs; confirm flagpole and wind-load compatibility.
• 3x5-foot flags: A familiar size for many residential poles, but always check the selected product's actual dimensions.
• Grommets: Useful with compatible clips and snap hooks; selected wall-hanging designs offer additional edge grommets.
• Other attachments: Check for pole sleeves, reinforced headers or other product-specific configurations.

For sizing help, read our flag and flagpole size guide. To complete the setup, see flagpoles and mounting hardware.

Historical Design Versus Historical Authenticity

A modern product can reproduce the appearance of a historical banner while using contemporary materials and manufacturing methods. The extent to which a particular flag was carried during a specific battle or period may be supported by different levels of historical evidence. Compare the artwork and historical context when accuracy matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Historical American Flags

Are these historical American flags made in the USA?

Yes. All flags in this collection have been verified as made in the United States. Consult each product page for its fabric, construction, mounting method and available sizes.

What historical flag designs are available?

The current assortment includes Betsy Ross 13-star flags, Gadsden “Don't Tread on Me” flags, the Bennington 76 flag, the Bedford flag and modern America 250 commemorative variations.

Did Betsy Ross make the first American flag?

The attribution is a longstanding tradition, but it has not been conclusively established by surviving contemporary evidence. The 1777 Flag Resolution specified 13 stripes and 13 stars without requiring the familiar circular star pattern.

What does the Gadsden flag mean?

Historically, the coiled rattlesnake and “Don't Tread on Me” motto expressed a warning against coercion during the Revolutionary era. The flag has also acquired a range of meanings and associations over time.

What is the difference between the Betsy Ross and Bennington flags?

The familiar Betsy Ross pattern places 13 stars in a circle. The Bennington 76 design features a prominent “76” in its canton and a different arrangement of stars. They should be treated as distinct designs.

What is an America 250 flag?

An America 250 flag is a commemorative design marking the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. It may combine imagery inspired by historic flags with anniversary dates, slogans or additional artwork.

Are historical flags suitable for outdoor use?

Several available products are designed for outdoor display, including nylon and polyester styles. Check each flag's size, fabric, hardware and care recommendations before installation.

Do historical flags come with a flagpole?

Do not assume a pole or bracket is included unless the product listing explicitly states that it is. Compatible equipment is available separately in our flagpoles and hardware collection.