Five Things You Might Not Know About the U.S. Flag-- Part 2: Vertical Stripes? Really?

The first time red and white stripes were used to represent America, there were nine of them-- and they were vertical.

On exhibit at the Old State House in Boston, this particular flag was created and flown at the Liberty Tree by the Sons of Liberty, an organization formed to oppose British taxation in the 1760s.

The nine vertical stripes may have symbolized the nine colonies which sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress in New York in 1765.

The flag is currently undergoing authentication efforts by historians.

--Cooter

Charles Willson Peale-- Part 1: The Painter of the Revolution

Yes, his middle name is actually spelled Willson with two "Ls".

From Wikipedia.

Since I was writing about the portrait this man painted of George Washington at the Battle of Princeton, I figured I's find out some more about him.  I don't remember ever knowing anything about him.  Now, I do.

(April 15, 1741- February 22, 1827)

American painter, soldier,  scientist, inventor, politician and naturalist.  A real Renaissance Man.  He is best remembered for his portrait paintings of leading figures of the American Revolution and establishing one of the first museums in the United States.

After forays into saddle making, clocks and metal working, he found his niche in painting.  After joining the Sons of Liberty, he became enamored with the new country that was being established on Philadelphia and moved there where he painted many of the famous people leading the effort, including, of course, George Washington.

--Cooter