Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross House
| Type | Historic site |
|---|---|
| Address | 239 Arch Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 629-4026 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | c. 1740 (built); 1898 (museum) |
| Hours | Daily 10am-5pm |
The Betsy Ross House is a historic house museum at 239 Arch Street in Old City, Philadelphia. According to legend, Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in this house in 1776. Whether or not the story is true, the site has been a patriotic landmark since the late 19th century and attracts 300,000 visitors annually.[1]
The Legend
According to tradition passed down through the Ross family:
- In June 1776, George Washington and a Congressional committee visited Betsy Ross
- They asked her to sew a flag for the new nation
- She suggested five-pointed stars instead of six-pointed
- She demonstrated cutting a five-pointed star with one snip
- She produced the first Stars and Stripes
Historical Evidence
Historians debate the story's accuracy:
- No contemporary documentation exists
- The story emerged publicly in 1870, nearly a century later
- Betsy Ross was an upholsterer who made flags
- The design of the first flag is uncertain
- The legend may blend truth with family mythology
Regardless of its accuracy, the story has become part of American national mythology.
The House
History
The house dates to approximately 1740:
- Betsy Ross rented rooms here (1773-1786)
- She operated an upholstery business
- She was widowed three times
- She lived in several Philadelphia locations
The Building
- Colonial-era rowhouse
- Period furnishings and decor
- Upholstery shop recreation
- Typical 18th-century middle-class home
Visiting
The Experience
- Self-guided tours through the house
- Betsy Ross interpreter in period costume
- Audio guides available
- Flag courtyard with Betsy Ross's grave
- Gift shop
Betsy Ross's Grave
Betsy Ross (1752-1836) is buried in the courtyard:
- Originally buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery
- Remains moved here in 1975
- Memorial and gravestone in courtyard
Visiting Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10am-5pm |
| Admission | $7 adults, $6 children (courtyard free) |
| Address | 239 Arch Street |
| Time needed | 30-45 minutes |
Getting There
- SEPTA Subway — 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
- Walking — In Old City, near Elfreth's Alley
- Parking — Nearby garages
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Betsy Ross House". Historic Philadelphia. Retrieved December 23, 2025