Bedford Flag in Bedford, Massachusetts
In a small historic town on the outskirts of Boston lies the Bedford Flag, the oldest complete surviving flag in the United States. The flag’s almost-square base is an ornate crimson silk damask with a pattern of pomegranates, grapes, and leaves. Painted over it in silver and gold, an armored hand reaches out from a cloud grasping a sword. The sword lies behind a banner reading Vince Aut Morire,…
The Bedford Flag, located in the historic town of Bedford, Massachusetts, is recognized as the oldest complete surviving flag in the United States. This crimson silk damask flag features an ornate pattern of pomegranates, grapes, and leaves, with a painted armored hand grasping a sword and a banner reading "Vince Aut Morire, Conquer or Die."
The flag's creation is believed to have occurred in the early 1700s, given the unique design and Prussian blue pigment used. Owned by the Page family for five generations until 1885, when it was given to the Town of Bedford, the flag has since become an integral part of Bedford's history and heritage. It is displayed in various locations, including being carried by Bedford Minuteman Company reenactors on Patriots' Day and featured on the town's seal, fire and police department uniforms, and flown in front of local homes and businesses.
Brief written by urgent.news from Atlas Obscura's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
