Our Flag Was Still There

Major George Armistead wanted to send a big message to the British, on their way to capturing Baltimore. It was 1813 and once again America and Britain were at war. Major Armistead wanted to say to the British: This land belongs to America. He needed a flag, a big flag, a flag over forty feet across. But who could make such a huge flag?

Mary Pickersgill could. With the help of the women in her shop, Mary Pickersgill did.

This is the story of the enormous American flag that now hangs in the Smithsonian. It's a reminder of Major Armistead's desire for America to be free. It's a reminder of the Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem inspired by this flag.

What a wonderful tribute to this flag and the flag makers. I love the storytelling and the illustrations of Jessie Hartland.