Margaret Manny
Encyclopedia
Margaret Manny was a milliner in colonial Philadelphia who made flags for the United States
during the American Revolution
.
Manny began making jacks
and ensign
s for ships as early as December 1774. She also made the Grand Union Flag
, or Continental Colors, first flown by John Paul Jones
aboard the Alfred on 3 December 1775.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
during the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
.
Manny began making jacks
Jack of the United States
The jack of the United States is a maritime flag representing United States nationality flown on the jackstaff in the bow of its vessels. The U.S. Navy is a prime user of jacks, but they are also used by ships of the Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, National Oceanic and Atmospheric...
and ensign
Ensign
An ensign is a national flag when used at sea, in vexillology, or a distinguishing token, emblem, or badge, such as a symbol of office in heraldry...
s for ships as early as December 1774. She also made the Grand Union Flag
Grand Union Flag
The Grand Union Flag is considered to be the first national flag of the United States. This flag consisted of 13 red and white stripes with the British Union Flag of the time The Grand Union Flag (also the Continental Colors, the Congress Flag, the Cambridge Flag, and the First Navy Ensign) is...
, or Continental Colors, first flown by John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones was a Scottish sailor and the United States' first well-known naval fighter in the American Revolutionary War. Although he made enemies among America's political elites, his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation which persists to...
aboard the Alfred on 3 December 1775.