Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Understanding Regimental Flag Design

2. Hornet’s Nest Flag

3. Second New Hampshire Regiment Flag

4. Battle of White Plains Flag

5. Pulaski Legion Banner

6. Bucks of America Flag

7. Commander-in-Chief’s Guard Flag

8. Trumbull American Flag

9. Powder Horns

10. Flag of the United States of America

End

Battle of White Plains Flag

This flag was carried by a New York regiment during the Battle of White Plains in October 1776. The red cap dates back to ancient Rome, where it was worn by emancipated slaves. During the Revolution, the red Liberty Cap was a symbol of the right to independence. It was often carried on a staff in public rallies as shown here.

This flag features a Liberty Cap on top of a Liberty Pole, symbols that both originated in Ancient Rome after the assassination of Julius Caesar freed citizens from his authoritative rule. The Liberty Cap references a Phrygian cap, a popular symbol used in the American and French Revolutions, though the actual Roman cap of emancipated slaves is a similarly shaped pileus cap.

During the Revolutionary War, Liberty Poles were erected by groups including the Sons of Liberty. A Liberty Cap placed atop a pole, as Caesar's assassins are said to have done with a pileus, symbolized the Union's fight for freedom from King George III. In addition, the sword featured on the flag symbolizes honor, solidarity, and power, important principles of the Continental soldiers who fought for independence.