Margaret Manny facts for kids
Margaret Manny was a skilled hatmaker, also called a milliner, in colonial Philadelphia. She played an important role during the American Revolution. She made flags for the new country, the United States. Some people believe she might have even made the very first national flag, known as the Grand Union Flag.
Making Flags for the American Revolution
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Margaret Manny began making flags for ships in December 1774. These flags were called "jacks" and "ensigns." She is also thought to have made the Grand Union Flag. This flag was also known by other names, like the Continental Colors.
The Grand Union Flag was first flown by John Paul Jones on the ship Alfred. This happened on December 3, 1775. Many people consider the Grand Union Flag to be the first national flag of the United States of America.
What the Grand Union Flag Looked Like
This important flag had thirteen red and white stripes. These stripes stood for the thirteen original colonies joining together. In the top left corner, called the canton, it had the combined crosses of St. Andrew and St. George. These crosses were kept from the British Union Jack flag.
Margaret Manny's Contributions
Most people know about Betsy Ross and her role in making flags. However, not as much is known about Margaret Manny. This might be because she didn't have many friends or family members who wrote down her story.
But we do know some facts about Margaret Manny. She was a milliner, meaning she made and sold hats. Records show that she received a large amount of fabric from James Wharton in Philadelphia. She got 49 yards of wide bunting and 52 and a half yards of narrow bunting. This fabric was used to make an ensign, a type of flag. The cost of these materials was charged to the ship Alfred. The Alfred was the main ship of the squadron and the largest of the first four ships, with 30 guns.
The famous United States Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. This historic event happened while the Grand Union Flag was flying.
