The Star-Spangled Banner Flag-- Part 3: Original Size Was 30 by 42 Feet

Mary Pickershill stitched the flag using a combination of cotton and dyed English wool.  She was assisted by her daughter, 2 nieces and a black indentured servant.

The flag consisted of fifteen horizontal red and white stripes and fifteen white stars on a blue field, that according to the Flag Act of 1794 when Vermont and Kentucky entered the Union.

The flag was originally 30 by 42 feet and each star was two feet in diameter.  After the battle, the Armistead family occasionally would give away pieces as souvenirs and gifts.  This and deterioration of the flag over the years has resulted in the loss of several feet.  It now measures 30 by 34 feet.

And, there are just 14 stars, the 15th was given as a gift and unfortunately the recipient or whereabouts is unknown.

--Brock-Perry