Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross House is a landmark in Philadelphia purported to be the site where the seamstress and flag-maker Betsy Ross (1752-1836) lived when she is said to have sewed the first American Flag. The origins of the Betsy Ross myth trace back to her relatives, particularly her grandsons, William and George Canby, and the celebrations of the Centennial of 1876.[1] Evidence for the precise location of Ross's home came from verification provided by several surviving family members,[2] although the best archival evidence indicates the house would have been adjacent to the one that still stands today as The Betsy Ross House.[3] The 1937 Philadelphia Guide noted that, after the current Betsy Ross House was selected as the Flag House, the adjacent building where Ross may have indeed lived "was torn down to lessen the hazards of fire, perhaps adding a touch of irony to what may well have been an error in research."[4] Although the house is one of the most visited tourist sites in Philadelphia,[5] the claim that Ross once lived there, and that she designed and sewed the first American flag, sometimes called the Betsy Ross flag, are considered false by most historians.[6][7]
The house sits on Arch Street, several blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The front part of the building was built around 1740, in the Pennsylvania colonial style, with the stair hall and the rear section added 10 to 20 years later. Had she lived here, Ross would have resided in the house from 1776, the death of her first husband, John Ross, until about 1779.[2]
Restoration
"Birthplace of Old Glory", 1909 photograph
Over the years, various structural changes and general wear and tear left the house in dire need of restoration. In 1937, Philadelphia radio mogul, A. Atwater Kent offered up to $25,000 for the restoration of the house and commissioned historical architect Richardson Brognard Okie to do the work. Original elements were kept wherever possible. Otherwise, materials from demolished period homes were used. A new structure was added in the rear, made from period bricks. The front stairway and dormer were entirely replaced. The front doorway was moved to the opposite corner, and a new window was installed. Kent then purchased the two adjacent properties to develop a "civic garden." In 1941, the entire property, including the historic house and courtyard, were given to the city of Philadelphia. In 1965 an annex building was added to the property, and in 1974 the courtyard was renovated and a fountain added.
In preparation for the United States Bicentennial, remains deemed to be those of Ross and her third husband, John Claypoole, were moved to graves in the courtyard.[8] A private nonprofit organization, Historic Philadelphia, Inc., began leasing the property from the City of Philadelphia in 1995 and continues to manage the site to this day.
Gravestone of Betsy Ross and her third husband John Claypoole, located in the Betsy Ross House complex.
The Betsy Ross House has long been the site of Philadelphia's observance of Flag Day.[9]
The well-known and loved story of Betsy Ross sewing the first Stars & Stripes is tightly woven into the colorful fabric of America's rich history. The Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag, is alive with the sights and sounds of the 18th century. Tour the house and then stay a while longer to meet Betsy in her upholstery shop and learn more about her exciting life and times through our interactive, historical programming.
The Betsy Ross House is located in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood in the heart of the Historic District and steps away from Independence National Park.
Address: 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Accessibility
The nearly 300-year-old narrow, winding stairs of the Betsy Ross House are not accessible to strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, or motorized scooters. For guests with mobility issues, the Museum offers a “first-floor tour”, which includes some walking and two steps up/down. The courtyard, including Betsy Ross’s grave and a seasonal medicinal herb garden, the museum store, and exhibition gallery are all accessible. Please refer to our staff when you arrive, we are happy to accommodate any needs to ensure a fun and informative visit to our museum!
Our gift shop, gallery, and restrooms are also accessible. For those who cannot tour the house due to mobility challenges, Betsy will come out to greet you if she is able, and we offer a complimentary audio guide along with a booklet of photos of the house that you can reference while listening to the guide.
PLEASE NOTE:
We are happy to welcome visitors back to the Betsy Ross House with no limits on capacity or group size. The safety and comfort of our guests and staff continues to be a priority.
We have added air purifiers to each room in the House and exhibition gallery and will continue to follow enhanced cleaning protocols. We ask for your patience with possible increased wait times as staff members use their discretion in managing crowd size during peak hours.
Inclement Weather Policy
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. retains the right to cancel, postpone, close attractions at any time. In the event of inclement weather every effort will be made to ensure operations upon the return of safe operating conditions. In the event of a complete cancellation, rain checks will be issued with proof of purchase.
Group Tours
The Betsy Ross House looks forward to welcoming you groups for a safe visit. Group rates are available for 20 or more guests.
Please note: Wait times for group tours of the Betsy Ross House may be longer due to limited capacity. Please plan accordingly to allow for extended wait times.
Hear Betsy's Story With An Audio Tour!
Now when you tour this authentic 18th-century home you can meet Betsy and listen to her story of love, death, and the Revolutionary War. Come and experience the birthplace of the American flag as you hear all about Betsy Ross’s life - the businesswoman, revolutionary, mother, and wife.
Kid’s Audio Tours Available!
Now kids ages 4 – 8 can tour the house as they learn about Betsy Ross, the flag, and life in the 18th century while they solve 13 “history mysteries.”
Additional Information
For additional information regarding ticketing, special accommodations, or other inquiries, please call 215-629-4026
What is the significance of Betsy Ross House?
By 1876, the building was generally recognized as the place where Betsy Ross lived when she made the first American Flag. Several of her surviving family members, including daughters, grandchildren, and a niece said that this was the location of the legendary event.
How long does it take to go through Betsy Ross House?
In all, we were probably there for 30 minutes. over a year ago. 9 months ago.
What house did Betsy Ross live in?
Although it cannot be definitively established, the evidence points strongly to the conclusion that Betsy Ross lived either in the house which is now 239 Arch Street or at 241 Arch Street, now the garden of the Betsy Ross House.
What are 3 important facts about Betsy Ross?
Betsy Ross Facts and Footnotes
Betsy Ross was born January 1, 1752 and died at the age of 84 on January 30, 1836.
Betsy had 7 children, 5 of whom lived to adulthood. ...
At the age of 21, she eloped across the Delaware River to Gloucester, New Jersey, and was married at a tavern.
She was the 8th of 17 children.
Is Betsy Ross House still standing?
The Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag, is alive with the sights and sounds of the 18th century. Tour the house and then stay a while longer to meet Betsy in her upholstery shop and learn more about her exciting life and times through our interactive, historical programming.
How big was Betsy Ross House?
The house was built about 1740 and consists of 3-1/2 floors and six rooms plus an attic. Betsy and her husband, John Ross, lived here and ran their upholstery business out of the house as well.
What are 5 facts about Betsy Ross?
Here are 10 interesting facts about Betsy Ross.
Betsy Ran Away from Home. ...
She Was a Skilled Upholster. ...
She Outlived Her Three Husbands. ...
Betsy's Seven Children. ...
Made the First Flag. ...
Hardworking, Brave, Independent, and Forward-Thinking Business-woman. ...
She Lost Her Sight in Old Age. ...
Three Different Burial Sites.
What is the history of Ross house?
History. Ross Castle was built in the late 15th century by local ruling clan the O'Donoghues Mór (Ross), though ownership changed hands during the Second Desmond Rebellion of the 1580s to the MacCarthy Mór. He then leased the castle and the lands to Sir Valentine Browne, ancestor of the Earls of Kenmare.