“How Betsy Ross Became Famous” by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich challenges the validity of the publically accepted legend that is the story of Betsy Ross.  In her article, “How Betsy Ross Became Famous”, Ulrich takes a look at the “afterlife” of Betsy Ross and explores its significance to the American public from the time the story was first publicized in 1870 until modern times.  Ulrich considers the remarks of other historians and scholars in reference to the story of Betsy Ross and also considers the importance of developing and preserving the image a female Revolutionary heroin.   I found this article to be exploratory and instigating.  Ulrich makes several points and brings in several sources to make her readers really consider, how did Betsy Ross become famous?

Ulrich begins the article with the development of Betsy Ross ‘s story by Ross’s grandson, William Canby at the Pennsylvania Historical Society.  Ulrich makes a strong point, reiterating it towards the end of the article as well, that the original telling of the story of Betsy Ross transpired at a perfect time.  The country had just emerged from the Civil War and was preparing to celebrate its centennial.  There was a preference among many to include women, or a woman, in the history of the American Revolution.  Betsy Ross was the prime candidate to fill that spot.  Ulrich defends this point by acknowledging that several stories about other women creating the first flag for President Washington were also being tossed around during that time.  The stories had some traction but they never caught on.  What made Betsy Ross different?  Ulrich examines this question by considering the image of Betsy Ross and what she represents.  This also requires separating the real person, Elizabeth Claypool, from the Revolutionary character of Betsy Ross.  Betsy Ross is a safe, noncontroversial icon.  She fits the narrative of freedom and the role of a woman during the American Revolution.  The legend of Betsy Ross has become more about the image and the meaning behind the character than about the person herself.  The general public doesn’t particularly care if the story is true or not.  They love Betsy Ross and the reputation that the character has assumed over the years.

Ulrich makes another strong case for the popularity of Betsy Ross by arguing that because no first flag exists, it has been easy for the story of Betsy Ross to survive.  While Ulrich makes clear that there is little evidence confirming that Betsy Ross made the first flag, there is also a lack of evidence contesting that claim.  For a mid-size article, Ulrich goes into great depth trying to piece together, or rather to pull apart, the story of Betsy Ross by comparing the stories told by Canby and Rachel Fletcher, Ross’s daughter.  Ulrich challenges the reader to consider why the story of Betsy Ross has been so widely accepted and does the story deserve to continue into the next century?  I believe that Ulrich’s purpose for this article is to initiate a conversation about how historical symbols reflect the values of a country and highlight the needs and wants of the people.

After analyzing this article, I ask my classmates to consider, if the story of Betsy Ross didn’t exist, do you think a woman of some other profession would have filled the shoes of a female Revolutionary representative? How important was it to have a famous female from the American Revolution?  Does the actual person, Elizabeth Claypool, still hold importance in famous icon of Betsy Ross? Why haven’t writing such as this, challenging the validity of the legend, affected the public’s praise of Betsy Ross?

-Lea Millio