Printed polyester flag with a blue canton "76" surrounded by 11 seven-pointed stars with a single star in each top corner. Thirteen red and white stripes with the white stripes on the top and bottom, rather than red stripes as in the official US flag. Attached to heavier binding at the left side with two brass grommets for hanging.
Made/Created
Date made
circa 1976
Material
polyester
Interpretative Labels
Label Type
Cultural/Historical Context
Label
The Bennington flag, with its distinctive “76” canton and 13 star design, became exceptionally popular during the Bicentennial. It served as an easily recognizable patriotic symbol that encapsulated the “Spirit of 76” and made it a popular choice for commemorative merchandise. While originally thought to be from the 1777 Battle of Bennington, recent studies suggest the flag was created during the early 19th century. Today it is believed that it was commissioned by Nathaniel Fillmore, Revolutionary War soldier and veteran of the Battle of Bennington, shortly after the outbreak of the War of 1812 and presented to his nephew Colonel Septa Fillmore who served with distinction in that conflict.
