Flag of Taunton, Massachusetts facts for kids
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| Proportion | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Adopted | October 21, 1774 |
| Design | A red field with the words "Liberty and Union" near the bottom and the Union Jack in the top left corner |
| Designed by | Sons of Liberty |
The flag of Taunton, Massachusetts, also known as the Taunton Flag or the Liberty and Union Flag, is the official flag of Taunton, Massachusetts, in the United States. It was first used in 1774. The flag looks like a red flag with the flag of Great Britain (the Union Jack) in the top left corner. It also has the words "Liberty and Union" written near the bottom.
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History of the Taunton Flag
The flag was first raised on October 21, 1774. This happened after a group called the Sons of Liberty had convinced people who supported the British King (called Loyalists) to leave Taunton. A local leader, Reverend Caleb Barnum, suggested creating a symbol to show they were standing up against British rule.
A Symbol of Defiance
To celebrate their stand, the Patriots (people who wanted independence) put up a very tall pole, about 34 meters (112 feet) high. They placed it outside the Taunton Courthouse and near the home of a Loyalist lawyer named Daniel Leonard. On this pole, they raised a red flag with the words "Liberty and Union" sewn onto it. This was the first time the Taunton Flag was seen.
The Taunton flag was one of the first rebel flags used in British North America to show disagreement with the British government and the King. At first, it also showed some loyalty to the King because it included the Union Jack, which was seen as the King's flag. The flag became more well-known after the Boston Evening Post newspaper wrote a story about it.
A Bold Statement
There was a story about the wife of William McKinstry, who was the only Loyalist allowed to stay in Taunton. She did not like the Taunton flag. In response, some Patriot women pulled her from her house. They made her walk in front of the tall pole where the flag was flying. Later, another version of the Taunton Flag was made. This one had the "Liberty and Union" words on a Union Jack itself.
The Taunton Flag Today
The current flag design was officially adopted as the city flag of Taunton on October 19, 1974. We don't know exactly what the very first flag looked like. The design we see today is based on an old newspaper description that wasn't complete.
Where the Flag Flies
You can see the flag flying in the Taunton Green Historic District. It flies there next to the flag of the United States. The flag also flies in front of Taunton City Hall and other city buildings. Many people in Taunton also fly the flag at their homes.
The flag was also raised outside the Old Colony Historical Society in Taunton. This happened during the city's 350th anniversary celebration.
Liberty and Union Festival
Every autumn, Taunton holds a special event called the Liberty and Union Festival. This festival celebrates the events of October 1774. It also honors the history and meaning of the Taunton Flag.
