Betsy Ross House facts for kids
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Betsy Ross House in 2024
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| Location | 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Type | Historic Location |
| Public transit access |   SEPTA bus: 5, 48, 57 |
The Betsy Ross House is a famous place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's known as the home where Betsy Ross (1752–1836), who was an upholsterer and flag-maker, is believed to have sewn the very first American flag. This house is a popular spot for visitors who want to learn about American history.
Contents
The Story of the First Flag
The idea that Betsy Ross made the first American flag comes from stories told by her family. Her grandsons, William and George Canby, shared these stories, especially around the time of America's 100th birthday in 1876.
Where Did Betsy Ross Live?
Historians have looked into where Betsy Ross actually lived. While the house standing today is called "The Betsy Ross House," some old records suggest her real home might have been right next door. That building was later taken down to prevent fires. So, while the current house is a landmark, the exact spot where she lived is still a topic of discussion among historians.
The House's Location and Age
The Betsy Ross House is located on Arch Street. It's just a few blocks away from other important historical sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The front part of the house was built around 1740. The back section and the stairway were added about 10 to 20 years later. If Betsy Ross lived here, it would have been from 1776, after her first husband died, until about 1779.
Restoring a Piece of History
Over many years, the Betsy Ross House started to show its age. It needed a lot of repairs and updates.
How the House Was Saved
In 1937, a wealthy Philadelphia radio owner named A. Atwater Kent offered money to fix up the house. He hired a special architect, Richardson Brognard Okie, to do the work. They tried to keep as much of the original house as possible. If something couldn't be saved, they used materials from other old houses that were being torn down. A new part was added to the back, made from old bricks. The front stairs and a window on the roof were completely replaced. The front door was also moved to a different spot.
Creating a Historic Garden
After the restoration, Mr. Kent bought the two buildings next to the Betsy Ross House. He wanted to create a "civic garden" there. In 1941, he gave the entire property, including the historic house and the garden, to the city of Philadelphia. Later, in 1965, another building was added to the property. In 1974, the garden was updated, and a fountain was put in.
Honoring Betsy Ross
Before the United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976, what were believed to be the remains of Betsy Ross and her third husband, John Claypoole, were moved. They were reburied in graves located in the courtyard of the Betsy Ross House. Since 1995, a private group called Historic Philadelphia, Inc., has been in charge of managing the site.
The Betsy Ross House is also a special place for Philadelphia's yearly celebration of Flag Day.
See also
In Spanish: Casa de Betsy Ross para niños
