Description

Antique Bunker Hill Flag  ~ 1876 Revolutionary War Flag

THE BUNKER HILL FLAG.

Also known as, The Continental Flag, The England Flag,

 An American Revolutionary War Flag

On the nights of June 16-17, 1775, the Americans fortified Breed and Bunker Hills which overlooked Boston Harbor. Although they had not officially declared their independence, a fight for control of the hills became necessary. When the British advanced up the slope the next day, according to legend they saw a red flag, but we have no real knowledge of which American Flag was actually flown in this battle. But John Trumbull, whose paintings of Revolutionary War scenes are quite famous, talked to eye-witnesses and his subsequent painting depicting the battle displayed the Continental (American) flag as shown here called “The Bunker Hill” Flag. Many historians think the flag was at the battle, known as the Battle Of Bunker Hill.

This flag was also used on American Ships of the time.

It was the First New England Naval Ensign.

As the flag was described being used in the very first battle of the American Revolution against the British at Bunker Hill in Boston, this flag could be called the first American Flag as it was made by Americans and flown on American ships to identify Americans from British subjects.

Hand & treadle sewn, Circa1876

Revolutionary War Flags are extremely rare and seldom found.  The first time Revolutionary War flags were really seen by Americans were the few that were re-created in 1876 for display at the Centennial held in Philadelphia, 1876.