The Botetourt County Historical Society has flown the flag of the United States of America for decades in front of its building. First it was at the former museum behind the Botetourt Courthouse and today at the 1871 Botetourt Museum of History and Culture on Main Street in Fincastle. This flag is one of the most recognizable symbols on earth. In 1777 the Continental Congress proclaimed that there will be one flag for the whole nation instead of the many flags used by every militia and town.
According to legend, Elizabeth (Betsy) Griscom Ross (1752-1836)was commissioned to make a new flag for the Continental Army. She was a seamstress who had made flags for ships in the Philadelphia upholstery business she and her husband operated before his death. The colors chosen were white for peace and sincerity, red for military fortitude and magnanimity, and blue for loyalty and truth. The 13 stripes, alternating red and white, stand for the original 13 colonies united. The design for the white stars in a blue field has changed throughout history. The current flag representing every state with 50 stars was designed by high school student Robert G. Heft.
The 4th of July is important because it commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the formal declaration of the 13 American colonies’ separation from British rule. The day signifies the birth of the United States as an independent nation and is celebrated with patriotic displays and festivals across the country.
