Historical Flags Project

THE PROJECT’S CONCEPTS

Seven years ago the concept for the project began. The goal was to create a community project coordinated by the Salisbury Historical Society called The Historical Flags Project. One goal was to honor our town’s history, soldiers and citizens and their participation in several important historical events which shaped our past.

As a historical society we are focused on history, wishing to preserve it for our future traditions. We do not concern ourselves with the varying interpretations or re use of historic symbols as may exist from time to time or by today’s citizens.

We aim is to be as historically accurate as is possible. This is no small task when one considers that Vexologists (flag experts) have lively debates and discussions about some historical flags such as when they first flew, if they flew at all in early history, their configurations and colors, if some were created after as commemoratives etc. We have made every effort to be accurate in our selection and go with prevailing expert opinion or simply tradition when necessary.

THE PROJECT’S GOALS

• Town Beautification: Not only are historical flags interesting but they are colorful and festive, creating a nice combination of town beautification, patriotism and town pride.
• Sharing History:  We hope that this endeavor will encourage viewers to learn more about the history behind the flags and to also help us to keep the flags flying for years to come. 
• Sharing our History with Visitors:  Our town is designated as on the historic Currier and Ives Trail. Many of all ages travel our roads.  Our flags will be very visible and very likely photographed by quite a few tourists!  Three locations have been chosen: Salisbury Heights and South Road Village Crossroads Rte 127 & Rte 4 both East and West.
• Link to Our History:  The historic flags remind us of the efforts of the early settlers to secure our way of life.
• Honoring Veterans:  The historical flags honor veterans in our older graveyards or scattered in newer cemeteries within town who took part in the French and Indian Wars, The American Revolution and the War of 1812 and Civil War.
• What is missing? In the works? We try to keep most flags somewhat relevant to Salisbury and the NE area so not all revolutionary flags nor regimental flags are selected. There are two some of us would like to add. One is a reproduction of the  beautiful flag of a relevant colonial NH Regiment that is on display at the NH Historical Society. The 13 colonies are shown in interlocking gold rings! The other is the beautiful flag of the Abenaki people. While it is a modern flag some think the project may not be complete without a representation of the first inhabitants of this area. It will take discussion with the Abenaki Tribal leaders and permission to determine if that is a pleasing idea to them. Both flags are unique and more expensive due to their limited run. The Regimental flag would be stunning on some of our old colonials and other homes where less weather damage would occur. Any thoughts? Please email us.

A COMMUNITY PROJECT

• The Salisbury Historical coordinates this project with the entire community who are actually the sponsors of the flags themselves.
• Many thanks to David Rapalyea who rescues blown down flags, bent poles and does replacements for hardware during the season. He keeps them flying!
• Many thanks as well to the Salisbury Fire Department and Explorers for putting up and taking down the flags for us.
  
• Would you like to help keep the Flags Flying?    From time to time the flags, as well as hardware, need sprucing up or replacing due to wind, rough telephone poles and sun damage. Please email us for further information.
  No donation is too small. Payment by check: Checks can be made out to: The Salisbury Historical Society and mailed to The Salisbury Historical Society, PO Box 263, Salisbury NH 03268. Please be sure to indicate: Flag Project.    Thank you! 

   

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  THE 17 FLAGS: 

FLAG #1)  Flag honoring our part in the Rhode Island Campaign August 1778, Revolutionary War 

-Sponsored by Cindy and Al Romano 2021, 2022 & 2023

Original flag & pole ponsor- Ron & Rose Cravens

According to the History of Salisbury by John Dearborn, at least 22 Salisbury sons took part in the Rhode Island Campaign, joining forces with other Continentals including the First Rhode Island Regiment.

According to John Dearborn in the history of Salisbury Capt. Ebenezer Webster led the third company in Gen Whipple’s brigade. In this brigade was Elder Benjamin Huntoon and Edward Eastman. Lieut Robert Smith, Ensign Andrew Bohonon, Joseph Feifield, Samuel Scribner, Benjamin Pettengill, James Johnson, WM Calef, Jonathan Fifield, Shuable Fifield, Joseph Hoyt, Winthrop Fifield, Moses Garland, Jeremiah Bowen, John Sanborn, Moses Welch, Benjamin Eastman and Phineas Bean. In Col Centers regiment Joseph Bean , Joseph Webster and Daniel Gilman. Also Stephen Bohonon and James Johnson.

In the battle of Rhode Island Phineas Bean was severely wounded in the face.

Baptist Graveyard: Jonathan Fifield, Joseph Fifield , Moses Garland and Captain Benjamin Pettingill 

South Road Graveyard: Joseph Bean, Phineas Bean, Maj. Stephen Bohonon 

Calef/Bog Road Graveyard: William Calef was possibly a participant

The symbols on this flag went on to become part of the Rhode Island State Flag. The anchor which was often found on tombstones in early graveyards signifies Hope rather than nautical connections.

Of Note: Initially, it was the flag of the fully integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment consisting of 240 soldiers of which approximately 140 were African Americans and some Indians who joined forces with reinforcements from elsewhere to attempt to hold the Newport area.

1st Rhode Island reenactment On Facebook; Community Organization First Rhode Island Regiment

FLAG #2) FORT SUMTER  SC FLAG April 12, 1861 , early Civil War Era Flag  33 stars

Sponsored by Gail Henry, Flag & Pole continuously for 7 years

Honoring our Civil War soldiers. When Abraham Lincoln took office in 1861 the official flag consisted of 33 stars.   The 33 stars is the Ft. Sumter flag (above) is one of the most famous Civil War era flags. This is the flag that was flown at Ft. Sumter, S.C. when the Confederates began bombarding it on April 12, 1861, the first official action of the Civil War.  Kansas joined shortly after.

According to John Dearborn n the History of Salisbury: Charles Heath died 3 days after returning to Salisbury Aug 19 1863 buried at Stevens Cemetery. Albert A.G. French died at Port Hudson Louisiana July 1, 1863. Henry C. George died in Port Hudson LA July 29. 1863. Charles Colby died of disease at Baton Rouge Louisiana July 20, 1863. Pvt Andrew Colby died of disease at Baton Rouge Louisiana June 27, 1863.  Jonathan Bagley was killed in action near Petersburg Va July 1864.  Pvt William Kenniston died of the Black Measles at Newport Penn. Pvt Henry Scott died of disease at Bermuda Hundreds, Jan 30 1863.  Meshach Blaisdell age 20, buried at the Baptist graveyard died at Mound City Ill, Aug 18, 1863  while on his way home. 

FLAG #3) Bunker Hill Flag,  Colonial Flag of New England, pre and Revolutionary War-

Sponsored by Laura Dutile-2021, 2022 & 2023

Past Sponsors: Original flag & pole sponsor was Mary Phillips, Original flag & pole sponsor at Crossroads: Penny & Paul La Raia. Replacement Flag  -Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stromsnes

Honoring Abraham Fifield with others who fought at the battles of Bunker Hill and Bennington. Abraham Fifield used his revolutionary service pension to build and live in the home once occupied by Mary & John Philips on the West Salisbury Road.

This red flag is widely used as the “Bunker Hill Flag” and is sometimes called the Trumbull Flag. The John Trumbull painting below of the battle helped to imprint in the minds of the viewer that this flag was flown. 

The painter and map maker, John Trumbull, was known for making great efforts to paint with historical accuracy. though several miles away he was in a sense an eyewitness to the battle, observing it through a telescope. As a mapmaker John Trumbull made detailed maps of the military positions around Boston.  In time he was made an aide to General Washington. In his painting he showed the colonists carrying an English Red Ensign with a pine tree on a white field in the canton (the upper left corner). This became known as a Continental Flag and was a commonly used flag in New England.   You often will see the flag in Blue and to confuse things John Trumble the artist did at a later date had put a blue flag in his painting. Experts seem to all agree that the flag was red as it was the New england Flag carried into battle.

This flag predates the Revolutionary War by many decades. At one early point the flag had a cross in the canton with the pine tree. At the urging of the Puritans the cross was removed though the flag flew in some areas of New England.  We

This flag honors the people keeping the home fires burning and the sons of Salisbury who volunteered, unsolicited and un drafted and appeared ready to fight to secure the elevated, strategic land at Charleston in order to control Boston harbor. 

Known participants in The Battle of Bunker Hill:

Baptist Graveyard: Ens Abraham Fifield, Joseph Fifield, Moses Garland, Capt.Benjamin Pettengill

Bean Graveyard:  Capt. John Smith

South Road Graveyard:  Benjamin Baker,  Sgt Moses Fellows

Stevens Graveyard:  Daniel Stevens

About Bunker Hill Flags:

Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill by John Trumbull painted after the Revolutionary War

For more information about this battle: https://www.myrevolutionarywar.com/battles/750617-bunker-hill/

FLAG #4) GRAND UNION FLAG,  Revolutionary War

-Sponsored by Paul Hynes and Chuck Motta, Flag & Pole , continously for 7 years

George Washington’s, Grand Union, Boston Militia

This perplexing flag combines the British Flag and Rebellious 13 stripes. 

This Continental or Grand Union Flag (see 5 various names below) was displayed over the camp of Washington’s militia in Cambridge Mass and is also referred to as the Cambridge Flag. It shows the English Cross of St. George and the Scottish Cross of St. Andrew,  suggesting that the colonists were not ready for a total break with the mother country or perhaps its was just an easy transition to add the stripes of the rebellious colonies right onto the British Flag. In either case it was symbolic of rebellion against existing rule as is. 

There are 13 stripes representing the 13 colonies in place of the solid red of the British flag. In depth information about this flag is courtesy of: https://www.patriotwood.com/blogs/news/15451473-3-important-grand-union-flag-facts-every-american-should-know

THREE IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE GRAND UNION FLAG

1.) The Grand Union is the United States’ first national flag

The Grand Union flag was created during the first year of the Revolutionary War. The designer and exact date of creation are unknown, but it is credited as the first national flag of the United States. It was an important signal that indicated increasing separation from the British.

2.) The Grand Union flag has five names

Over the years, this flag has been referred to in lots of different ways. Five names have stuck with it over time—here they are.

• The Grand Union—this name originated during the United States’ Reconstruction Era. It was first applied to this flag by George Preble, in 1872. Since then, it has become the most popular name.
• The Continental Colors—at the time, the United States was known as the United Colonies of North America. This name is likely a nod to that.
• The Congress Flag—the Continental Congress met under this flag; that’s probably the origin of this name.
• The First Navy Ensign—in December of 1775, a lieutenant in the newly formed Continental Navy raised the flag on the colonial warship USS Alfred, earning it yet another name.
• The Cambridge Flag—it’s said that George Washington’s troops raised this flag near Cambridge, Massachusetts, on New Year’s Eve in 1776, spawning another moniker in the process.

3) The Grand Union is a modified British flag

During the first year of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress had to create a flag to represent their military, government, and new nation. They were quite familiar with the British Red Ensign, a flag flown by the Royal Navy—and they probably had access to lots of these flags.

Turning a Red Ensign into a Grand Union was quite simple: simply sew six white stripes onto the red background to create the 13 alternating red and white stripes we’re all familiar with.

This practice didn’t last too long: the field in the top left was soon replaced with stars, and the Stars and Stripes as we know it was born. 

FLAG #5) “JOIN OR DIE” or Benjamin Franklin Flag (Wood cut cartoon). French and Indian Wars period- pre Revolutionary War & Revolutionary War

Sponsored by David Merwin 2021, 2022 & 2023, a Descendant of Benjamin Franklin

-Previous sponsors  Mrs. Marcus Zuech & Sarah Chamberlain, Flag & Pole

A Political Cartoon becomes a Flag. 

Courtesy of the following blog:

http://americanrevolutionblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/influence-of-franklins-join-or-die.html

Influence of Franklin’s “Join or Die”

In early 1754, Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin became one of the earliest political cartoonists in American history. As a printer, Franklin had regularly published political commentaries on various issues. His “Join or Die” publication, however, was quite different and would be remembered for generations to come.

During the early part of 1754, Franklin became quite concerned about the security and future of the British colonies. He believed that each individual colony was going too far in its own direction, and thus neglecting the need for unity. As a result, Franklin created this early political cartoon that served as a call for unity. The cartoon (originally done as a wood carving) was posted not only in Franklin’s paper, but was distributed across the colonies. The snake (each section representing an individual British colony), was purposely cut into pieces, suggesting that death would come not only to the snake, but to the colonies as well if they chose to stay divided. (It is also worth noting that 18th century society believed that a snake would come back to life if the pieces were all put together and buried before sundown).

During the war with the French, Franklin’s “Join or Die” slogan was used as a battle cry, inspiring colonies to unite against the French.  In the years prior to the American Revolution, Franklin would again use his “Join or Die” logo to promote union with the British (Franklin even suggested to Parliament that the colonies could be joined with Great Britain in the original Acts of Union, which had united Scotland and England). England’s passage of the Stamp Act in 1765 gave Americans a cause to rally around. Naturally, Franklin’s slogan was brought out of the closet, this time to rally against the British.

With the onset of the American Revolution, patriots from across the colonies used Franklin’s “Join or Die” to promote the cause of independence. The slogan could regularly be seen in the windows of shops, on flags, and in newspapers.

Several early Salisbury citizens were participants in the resisting the French.. Notably, Moses Garland was a member of Rogers Rangers. He is buried in the Baptist Graveyard.

For an interesting read on the problem of uniting the colonies during Britain’s conflict with the French:

 http://oldemc.english.ucsb.edu/imprint/warner/protocols/protocols_of_liberty_chapter_5_Join.or.Die.html

Cemetery Walk Reenactor and townsmen, Joseph Schmidl, in character as an early Salisbury settler named Moses Garland of Roger’s Rangers. Pre Revolutionary War. Gravesite: Baptist Cemetery.

Detail of Joseph’s vest: Robert Rogers Rangers Buttons

Photo of a Rogers Rangers reenactment group possible at Port Huron-courtesy Pinterest

Flag #6) Washington’s Cruisers- Revolutionary War

Sponsored by Linda & Ed Denoncourt 2018-2023  in memory of Philip Denoncourt who served as a decorated fighter pilot, US Navy, WW2. Philip Denoncourt also served as President of the Salisbury Historical Society from 1982-1984.

This flag was used by George Washington on a squadron of six schooners which he outfitted at his own expense in the fall of 1775. This flag was a variation of the New England Pine Tree flag. The Continental Navy, knowing they were up against the greatest naval power in the world, set sail flying a flag with an “APPEAL TO HEAVEN.” They needed all the help they could get.–

Partial excerpt below from:

http://www.ath.us.com/appeal-to-heaven-story

The year was 1775 and our country was just about to face their greatest battle on American soil, it was the beginning of the American Revolution. At that time the British (the most powerful military in the world) was occupying Boston and problems in the colonies were rising. George Washington wanted to intercept incoming British ships with supplies, however the popular vote in Philadelphia disagreed with anything to do with upsetting the king, especially after the Boston Tea Party. Our General decided to take it upon himself behind closed doors to commission 6 Privately owned schooners and start his own navy, (rumored to be at his own expense) it was to be called “Washington’s Secret Navy” and all boats were to have “An Appeal to Heaven”  flags upon them. Also known as the “Washington’s cruiser flag”, it was white flag with an evergreen tree in the middle and the words “An Appeal to Heaven” stitched across.

About PINE TREE Flags:

Pine Tree Flags and Naval Ensigns: The term Pine Tree flag is a generic name for a number of flags used by the New England and Massachusetts colonies from 1686 to 1778. It has been the emblem of New England since it was discovered and colonized. The Pine Tree was believed to be originally a symbol used by the Penacook Nation and there is speculation that perhaps this is why it was incorporated in the First New England or First Continental Flag. However it is also likely that the Pine tree represented the extensive forests of straight Pines that existed when the colonists arrived. They made excellent ships masts and was a  valuable resource.

The pine tree was a symbol representing freedom to New Englanders. They often modified existing British flags with pine trees to show they were still loyal to the British Crown, but were going to defend their liberties.

Flag #7) First Navy Jack, Flag of the Continental Navy, possibly as early as the Revolutionary War and onwards.

Sponsored by -Sally Jones, Flag & Pole, sponsored for 6 years. Rick Chandler 2023

“The First Navy Jack” is the current US jack authorized by the United States Navy and is flown from the jackstaff of commissioned vessels of the U.S. Navy while moored pierside or at anchor. The 13 striped design is traditionally regarded as that of the first U.S. naval jack flown in the earliest years of the republic.(From Wikipedia)

5 FLAGS AT  SOUTH ROAD VILLAGE, CROSSROADS  EAST

 Rte 127 near Rte 4 junction,  Franklin Road going  to east

Flag #1) Green Mountain Boys, 

Sponsored by R & R Cravens Family 2021, 2022 & 2023

The Green Mountain Boys Flag/John Stark Flag was a regimental flag of a group of militiamen in the Colonial New Hampshire Grants territory between NH and NY. Vermont (1791) did not exist at the time of  the Revolution. They fought off the efforts of colonial NY to extend into the territories of what was to be Vermont early on under Ethan Allen. This unit wasinitally  comprised of a tight bond of friends and neighbor militiamen.

Under Ethan Allen and they were instrumental in capturing Fort Ticonderoga and Fort Crown Point in the early days of the war.

On August 16, 1777 they fought under General Stark of NH at the Battle of Bennington an important victory. John Stark was also present at Bunker Hill. Salisbury men were on the field with John Stark.

John Stark was a native of New Hampshire and veteran of the French and Indian Wars and Lieut. in light infantry in Rogers Rangers pre revolution. Moses Garland a Salisbury resident served in Rogers Rangers as well.

General Stark commanded the First NH Regiment among which were Salisbury men.

Flag #2) Sons Of Liberty 9 Striped Flag, Stamp Act Protest abt 1765

Sponsored by Ron & Rose Cravens -2021, 2022, 2023

“In honor of those first brave ones who first stood up in the earliest stirrings of the American Revolution”.

Flag #3)  Commander Washington’s Flag, the personal flag of General George Washington, Revolutionary War

–Sponsored by Roy & Kathie Downes 2021, 2022 & 2023

Previous sponsors: Cindy and Al Romano

There is ongoing research being made about Washington’s Commander in Chief Standard/Flag. It most likely dates back to 1775. Because it was Washington’s personal flag, it was with him wherever he went and saw the same action as he did. The actual color of the flag appeared to be a light blue, which it is currently.  

A painting by James Peale (Battle of Princeton) below shows a large blue standard with a linear arrangement of stars.

Battle of Princeton by James Peale painted ca 1782

For more information please see the link below. This data is courtesy of:

http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/youasked/038.htm

Washington and Lafayette see their soldiers’ suffering during the legendary winter at Valley Forge. H.B. Hall/National Archives

According to Dearborn’s History of Salisbury the following Salisbury sons died at Valley Forge:

Ephraim Heath             Valley Forge camp 1778, from exposure and sickness

Reuben Greeley             Valley Forge camp 1778, from exposure and sickness

Philip Lufkin                 Valley Forge camp 1778, from exposure and sickness

William Bayley              Valley Forge camp 1778, from exposure and sickness

Flag #4) Early New England Flag

Sponsored by Mary Heath -New Flag for 2021, 2022 & 2023

The Pine tree symbol has been used over a few centuries plus in New England. From the Penacook to  Bunker Hill and it is Maine’s symbol now. More than a quaint design appearing as the symbol of New England early on,This flag can honor the Penacook, the earliest Colonials many of whom suffered repression in Europe or the fight for freedom from Great Britain.

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Prior to the arrival of the colonists the Penacoock people called this land home and it is supposed that their name might have been originally “Quonecog”, meaning Pine Tree People. They have not vanished.

Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People

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Colonial times:

The Pine Tree was of enormous value to great Britain and the Colonist leading to the Pine tree Riots of 1772. 

1652 Pine Tree coin minted in the Massachusetts Bay Colony:

From the link below  “The colonists resented the restrictions on the timber they used for their needs and livelihoods, and many continued to harvest the marked trees. The law caused more anger and backlash than the Stamp Act or even the Tea Tax, and eventually resulted in the Pine Tree Riot of 1772.”

For more information:https://www.gettysburgflag.com/blog/the-story-behind-the-pine-tree-flags-of-the-american-revolution/

Flag #5) The Betsy Ross or Thirteen Original Colonies Flag, circle format, Revolutionary War

Sponsored by Jim & Jenn Hoyt – for 2021, 2022 & 2023

Original sponsor Anna Kristina Fogelgren flag & pole, flag replaced by Linda and Ed Denoncourt

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, seeking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag. “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

From the Website:    https://www.battlefields.org/learn/war-1812/battles/fort-mchenry

“Maryland  |  Sep 13, 1814

The failed bombardment of Fort McHenry forced the British to abandon their land assault on the crucial port city of Baltimore. This British defeat was a turning point in the War of 1812, leading both sides to reach a peace agreement later that year.

How it ended

United States victory. American forces resisted the dramatic British bombardment of Fort McHenry and proved they could stand up to a great world power. The exploding shells and rocket fire from British warships inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the lyrics to the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Seeing no way to penetrate American defenses, the British withdrew their troops and gave up their Chesapeake Campaign”

At Ft. Mc Henry

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54th Massachusetts regiment at Fort Wagner SC, from the movie GLORY

54th Massachusetts regiment at Fort Wagner SC, from the movie GLORY

explained:https://firstnhregiment.org/regimental-flags/

Flag #5-West,

Battle of Bennington August 16, 1777, Spirit of 76 (Declaration of Independence), Revolutionary War

Originally Sponsored  originally by Paul and Jeannie Miller

Sponsored by the Belanger Family 2021, 2022 & 2023

The flag above has become the symbol of the Battle of Bennington, Vermont, a crucial battle.

  We will leave it to the flag scholars to debate which flag was flown at Bennington this or the regimental dark green Green Mountain Boys Flag as which scholars disagree. Perhaps they both did! It is possible this was a commemorative flag created slightly later, that is of little concern to the many who love this inspiring 76 flag as it says it all. 

Battle of Bennington August 16, 1777:

Captain Ebenezer Webster’s Company fought at Bennington.  Salisbury’s Roll according to  John Dearborn:

From the Concord and Boscawen Company: Ensign Andrew Pettengill, crossroads resident was injured in the battle of August 16th and died Dec 12th. Burial, possibly Searles Hill.

Ebenezer Webster, Lieut Robert Smith, Lieut Andrew Bohonon, 4th Sargent Abraham Fifield, 3d Corp Samuel Lovering, 4th Corp Joshua Morse, Drummer John Sanborn, Fifer Jonathan Foster.

Privates Benj Huntoon, William Searle, Richard Purmont, Benjamin Scribner, Peter Severance, Rowell Colby, John Fifield, Joseph Field, Edward Fifield, Jonathan Fifield, Jacob Bohonon, Wm Calef, Edmund Sawyer, John Gale, Jacob True, John Jemson, Robert Barber, Joseph Tucker, Moses Elkins, John Smith, Wm. Newton, Israel Webster, David Pettengill, Abel Elkins, James Johnson, Jacob Garland, George Bagley, Moses Welsh, Daniel Brocklebank, Mathew Pettengill, Edward Eastman

Colonial George Reed’s Continental Regiment: Samuel Sanders, Jacob Morrill, Joseph Meloon.