The Bennington Flag is one of the most intriguing and enduring symbols of the American Revolution. Instantly recognizable for the bold number “76” emblazoned on its blue canton, this historic banner has come to represent the spirit of independence and patriotism from America’s fight for freedom. As one of the most famous historic American flags, the Bennington Flag carries a rich story that intertwines legend, folklore, and factual history. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this flag in the Revolutionary War era, dissect its unique design and symbolism, examine the myths versus reality surrounding its history, and discuss how it fits into United States flag history.
Historical Background: Flags of the American Revolution
To appreciate the Bennington Flag, it helps to understand the broader context of American Revolutionary War flags. During the Revolutionary War (1775–1783), the emerging United States had not yet standardized a single national flag. Instead, a variety of banners flew over the battlefields and encampments of the era. Each colony often had its own distinctive flag reflecting local pride, political slogans, or regional symbols.
The conflict was initially fought by thirteen separate colonies, each with its own identity and icons. For example, some New England militias rallied under the Pine Tree Flag, while the famous Gadsden Flag with its coiled rattlesnake and the motto “Don’t Tread on Me” became a bold statement of defiance. Other well-known flags of the revolution include the Betsy Ross flag and the Green Mountain Boys Flag, among many others. This patchwork of flags demonstrated the colonies’ shared goal of liberty, even as they maintained individual traditions. The great variety of flags of the American Revolution reminds us that the war was fought, at least in its early stages, by a collection of independent patriot forces rather than one unified nation. Over time, these disparate banners would give way to a single United States flag, but in the 1770s, the diversity of flags was a testament to the colonies’ regional identities.
Within this rich tapestry of Revolutionary-era banners, the Bennington Flag stood out. It is considered an early American flag design, incorporating the 13 stars and 13 stripes that symbolized the United Colonies. The Bennington Flag is sometimes categorized as a 13-star American flag, placing it alongside other first flags of the nation. However, it’s the way those stars and stripes are presented that truly sets the Bennington Flag apart from its contemporaries.
Legend of the Bennington Flag: The Battle of Bennington
The Bennington Flag draws its name from the Battle of Bennington, a Revolutionary War engagement that took place on August 16, 1777, near Bennington. According to popular lore, this flag was carried into that battle and flew over the American supply depot in Bennington during the fighting. The story goes that a local militia led by General John Stark faced off against a British raiding force sent by General John Burgoyne. The Americans won a decisive victory, preventing the British from seizing critical supplies. Oral tradition holds that the Bennington Flag was present on the battlefield that day, with its “76” proudly displayed as a rallying emblem of the cause. Legend claims that the flag was hoisted atop the supply stockpile, inspiring the patriots in their defense. Nathaniel Fillmore, a member of the militia, is often credited by these accounts as the man who carried or raised the flag during the battle.
In the aftermath of the battle, so the story continues, the flag was saved as a treasured family heirloom. The Fillmore family reputedly preserved this colonial American flag for generations, understanding its significance as a piece of Revolutionary history. It earned the nickname “The Bennington Flag” in commemoration of the battle. Eventually, the flag was handed down to Nathaniel Fillmore’s descendants. By the 19th century, it came into the possession of Nathaniel’s grandson, President Millard Fillmore, and later into the possession of other family members. In 1877, on the centennial anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, a Fillmore descendant reportedly flew the flag during celebrations, further cementing its place in local lore. Finally, in 1926, the last Fillmore descendant who owned the flag donated this precious artifact to the Bennington Museum in Vermont, where it remains on display to this day.
Myth and Reality: Uncovering the Flag’s True History
While the legendary tale of the Bennington Flag is certainly captivating, historical evidence suggests the flag's true origin may not be as early as 1777. Researchers and museum curators have scrutinized the flag’s fabric and construction, and what they found raised doubts about the flag’s use during the Revolutionary War. Textile analysis of the physical flag at the Bennington Museum indicates that it is made of machine-woven cotton fabric, a type of material and manufacturing not common in the 1770s. This clue suggests the flag might have been made years after the Revolution. Historians now believe it’s unlikely that this specific flag was at the Battle of Bennington at all.
Another flag is generally accepted to have been present at that battle, whereas the so-called Bennington Flag was probably not. The Bennington Museum has even dated the flag in its collection to the 19th century, based on its fabric and stitching. This means the flag could have been created long after 1777 to invoke Revolutionary War sentiment. It might have been sewn circa 1813–1814, when memories of the Revolution were being rekindled as the young nation fought the British again in the War of 1812. The flag may have been intended to remind New England militiamen of 1776’s ideals and the victory at Bennington as they went into battle once more.
Regardless of its exact creation date, by the time the flag was displayed and celebrated in the late 19th century, people believed it to be an authentic Revolutionary relic. This perception is how the Bennington Flag became enshrined in popular memory as an icon of 1777. It’s important to distinguish between the legend of the flag and the reality. The legend of patriots fighting under a “76” flag at Bennington captures the imagination and isn’t entirely baseless. The reality, supported by fabric analysis and historical records, is that the flag we know as the Bennington Flag was likely made later as a commemorative or ceremonial banner, rather than seeing combat in 1777. Still, the idea of the flag at the Battle of Bennington has taken hold, and in a broader sense, the flag does symbolize the Revolutionary spirit, even if it wasn’t actually there in the fight. The Bennington Flag’s mysterious origins only add to its allure as one of the great historical American flags of our nation’s past.
Design and Symbolism of the Bennington Flag
What makes the Bennington Flag immediately distinguishable from other Revolutionary-era flags is its unique design.
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Distinctive Stripe Color Pattern: One of the most immediately noticeable features of the Bennington Flag is its unconventional stripe arrangement. While it retains the familiar thirteen stripes representing the original colonies, the sequence begins and ends with white rather than red. This creates a White-Red alternating pattern with white stripes framing the top and bottom edges.
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Uncommon Seven-Pointed Stars: Each of the thirteen stars features seven points instead of the five-point design that later became standard. Seven-pointed stars are rare in American flag history, lending the design a distinctive and almost archaic appearance.
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Symbolic Star Arrangement in the Canton: The layout of the stars within the blue canton is as unusual as their shape. Eleven stars form a semi-circular arc inside the canton, while two additional stars sit above the numerals at the center. This configuration visually frames the message embedded in the flag, drawing the eye inward. Rather than a grid or symmetrical circle, the arrangement feels deliberate and expressive, emphasizing movement and focus.
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Prominent “76” Numerals: The numerals function as a declaration rather than decoration, embodying the revolutionary zeal commonly described as the Spirit of ’76 and anchoring the flag firmly in its historical moment.
The Bennington Flag encapsulates in cloth the message that in 1776-77, early America was asserting a bold new identity. It’s no wonder that this banner is revered as one of the most iconic early American flags.
The Bennington Flag’s Legacy in American Memory
Despite questions about its initial use, the Bennington Flag has secured its place in the pantheon of American history and folklore. In terms of U.S. flag history, it represents a bridge between the Revolutionary War and later periods of American patriotism. After the flag was handed over to the Bennington Museum in 1926, it became accessible to scholars and the public, further increasing its fame. People could see with their own eyes this unusual flag with its big “76”, and it soon earned affection as a tangible link to the Revolution. The timing of the donation was also fitting. America was approaching the 150th anniversary of 1776, and interest in colonial history was high. Throughout the 20th century, images of the Bennington Flag appeared in textbooks, memorabilia, and even postage stamps.
The Bicentennial celebrations of 1976 propelled the Bennington Flag’s popularity to new heights. As the United States marked 200 years of independence, anything associated with the Revolution was in vogue. The Bennington Flag design was widely reproduced and flown during that 1975-1976 period as a nostalgic emblem of the nation’s beginnings. Many Americans came to know it as “the Bicentennial flag” because it was seen everywhere during those celebrations. The flag’s design was unofficially adopted as a symbolic mascot of the Bicentennial, adorning everything from parade floats to souvenirs. The Bennington Flag pattern was among the most popular choices for display during that time, essentially serving as an unofficial flag of the Bicentennial in 1976. This resurgence firmly planted the flag in modern memory. Even today, people who lived through the Bicentennial often recall the Bennington Flag’s presence, sometimes assuming it was a standard Revolutionary War flag due to its 18th-century look and feel.
Beyond 1976, the Bennington Flag continues to hold a special place as an educational and heritage symbol. It is frequently displayed at museums, historic sites, and patriotic events to evoke the Revolutionary era. In Old Glory flag history narratives, the Bennington Flag is often mentioned as a fascinating footnote and example of the early variations of the national flag. It reminds us that the familiar flag we salute today did not spring into existence overnight; it was shaped through many iterations and inspirations. In the grand history of flags in America, this flag stands out as an emblem that is not just about one battle or one family, but about the collective memory of the Revolution and the values of independence and unity that Americans continue to celebrate.
Owning an Authentic Bennington Flag Today
For those who have been inspired by the Bennington Flag and wish to display this piece of history, it is very much possible to own a quality reproduction. In fact, the Bennington Flag is a popular item among flag enthusiasts and history buffs, precisely because of its distinctive look and historical connotations. You can buy Bennington flags online or in specialty shops that carry flags of the American Revolution and other historical designs. When doing so, it’s wise to seek out a reputable source to ensure you’re getting a flag that is faithful to the original design.
It’s also important to consider the materials and craftsmanship. Many flag collectors prefer made-in-USA flags, and for good reason. American-made flags typically have higher quality control, and using one also honors the spirit of keeping this patriotic symbol domestically produced. Fortunately, there are several flag stores in the U.S. that specialize in historic flags and offer American-made options. One such retailer is Allegiance, known for its commitment to quality and authenticity in flag manufacturing. By choosing a well-crafted Bennington Flag, you’ll not only get a beautiful display piece but also a durable flag that can withstand outdoor flying if you choose to hoist it on flagpoles during holidays. Imagine your home adorned with the striking Bennington Banner on Independence Day.
In the grand tapestry of the history of flags in America, the Bennington Flag is an exceptional thread. It reminds us that the iconic Stars and Stripes went through an evolution, and that along the way, various designs like this one captured the imagination of the people. Today, the Bennington Flag continues to be celebrated, taught in classrooms, and flown by patriots who cherish the nation’s Revolutionary heritage. It serves as a visual link to the past, a teaching tool about the nation’s early years, and a proud banner under which the ideals of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” can be honored. The Bennington Flag is more than just an old piece of cloth; it is a Revolutionary War icon that has earned its place among America’s most revered flags. Every wave of its stripes and every glint of its stars and “76” remind us of the courage and unity that gave birth to the United States. And as long as Americans continue to value their history, the Bennington Flag’s legacy will surely endure, inspiring future generations with the Spirit of ’76.
Sources
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The Bennington Flag – Gallery of the Republic (historical overview and legend of the flag)
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Bennington Flag – Wikipedia (historical analysis and dating of the flag)
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Clausen Collection – Revolutionary Flags: Bennington Flag (detailed description of the flag’s design features)
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Flags of the American Revolution: Many Designs, One Goal – Americana Corner (context on the variety of Revolutionary War flags)
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Bennington (Fillmore) Flag – American Flag Stories (notes on the flag’s 1976 Bicentennial resurgence)