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"1776 with Our Nation's First Flag" Crewneck sweatshirt

"1776 with Our Nation's First Flag" Crewneck sweatshirt

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Our original design, celebrating July 4th and our nation's Declaration of Independence.

"1776" and our nation's first flag on the front and this text on the back, which is taken from the original vellum copy that the delegates signed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness — July 4, 1776."

The sweatshirt: 

Also available, "We hold these truths - July 4, 1776" shirt available in white, light blue heather, and silver and on a long-sleeved shirt in white and light grey.

You can also find this design on a static cling, vinyl decal, and boxed notecards with envelope.


Historical Background Behind the Flag

By the end of 1775, during the first year of the American Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress operated as a de facto war government authorizing the creation of an Army, a Navy and even a small Marine Corps. A new flag was needed to represent the Congress and fledgling nation, initially the United Colonies, with a banner distinct from the British Red Ensign flown from civilian and merchant vessels, the White Ensign of the British Royal Navy, and the British Union flags carried by the British Army's men on land. Individual states had been using their own independent flags with Massachusetts using the Taunton Flag and New York using the George Rex Flag prior to the adoption of the Grand Union Flag.

The U.S. colonists' (Continental Colour) was first hoisted on the colonial warship Alfred, in the harbor on the western shore of the Delaware River at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 3, 1775, by newly-appointed Lieutenant John Paul Jones of the formative Continental Navy. The event had been documented in letters to Congress and eyewitness accounts. The flag was used by the U.S. Continental Army forces as both a naval ensign and garrison flag throughout 1776 and early 1777.

It is not known for certain when or by whom the design of the Continental Colors was created, but the flag could easily be produced by sewing white stripes onto the British Red Ensigns. The "Alfred" flag has been credited to Margaret Manny.

It was widely believed that the flag was raised by George Washington's Army on New Year's Day, 1776, at Prospect Hill in Charlestown (now part of Somerville), near his headquarters at Cambridge, Massachusetts, (across the Charles River to the north from Boston), which was then surrounding and laying siege to the British forces then occupying the city, and that the flag was interpreted by British military observers in the city under commanding General Thomas Gage, as a sign of surrender.[5] Some scholars dispute the traditional account and conclude that the flag raised at Prospect Hill was probably a British union flag.

The name "Grand Union" is contemporary to Reconstruction-era historians and was first applied to the Continental Colors by George Henry Preble, in his 1872 History of the American Flag.

Source: Wikipedia.

The hang tag that accompanies the shirt includes a lengthy quote from John Adams, writing from Philadelphia on July 3

" . . . the Delay of this Declaration to this Time, has many great Advantages attending it. — The Hopes of Reconciliation, which were fondly entertained by Multitudes of honest and well meaning tho weak and mistaken People, have been gradually and at last totally extinguished. — Time has been given for the whole People, maturely to consider the great Question of Independence and to ripen their judgments, dissipate their Fears, and allure their Hopes, by discussing it in News Papers and Pamphletts, by debating it, in Assemblies, Conventions, Committees of Safety and Inspection, in Town and County Meetings, as well as in private Conversations, so that the whole People in every Colony of the 13, have now adopted it, as their own Act. — This will cement the Union, and avoid those Heats and perhaps Convulsions which might have been occasioned, by such a Declaration Six Months ago."

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776, from the archives of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Spelling in the original.

The Continental Congress declared freedom from Britain on July 2 and approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4. The flag was the Continental Navy Ensign, which was first flown December 3, 1775 on the colonial warship Alfred and is considered to be our first national flag. See more on the flag above.

 

Shipping

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.

For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95. 

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

Learn more about shipping here.

All original designs are copyrighted by The History List

All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.

Made by America

Nearly everything we offer is designed by us and made in America.

Our original designs are based on our nation’s history and our love of American history. Read more about other things we've created, including The History List, History Camp, and The Pursuit of History, in addition to The History List Store.

All original designs are copyrighted by The History List.

Every product that is made in America states that in the product description and includes the "Made in U.S.A." graphic. There are a relatively small number of items where we’ve not been able to find a manufacturing partner here in the States, but we continue to look.  

Our nation’s historyOur original designs

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Customer Reviews

Based on 184 reviews
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Ann E.
Quality product!

I was so happy to get this sweatshirt! I saw it at a Museum gift shop but they didn’t carry my size and they were charging more than this site! I appreciated the fast service and excellent quality!

2
2-gun B.
Had to buy two

Great patriotic shirt that my wife liked so much I bought one for her. Get the light blue one. And dont forget your partner.

S
Scott S.
Quality Item

I am very pleased with the weight and graphics of my new t-shirt. It was exactly as described. I will be ordering more!

E
Elizabeth C.
Nice soft shirt with bold design

I wanted a new patriotic shirt and chose the 1776 design with Jefferson's immortal words of human freedom on the back. I could not have been more pleased with the large bold design and soft, comfortable fit. I chose the cotton washed denim color and was very pleased. After reading other reviews, I sized up from my usual size. The shirt has a roomy and comfortable fit and is very soft. I look forward to wear it on all patriotic occasions and would not hesitate to order again.

S
Stephanie M.
Histoey tees

Really nice shirts!

M
Michael L.
Wearing America’s History

If you’re proud of America’s History. You should consider getting a shirt or two. I believe people need to be reminded about the History of this Country. Warts and all. We are striving to become the America that our Founding Fathers invisioned. Wear your History proudly. Great quality shirts for every History Herd.

S
Sandra B.
A+ experience

I ordered a sweatshirt from the website. What caught my eye was that the products are advertised as being made in the USA. I looked what they had to offer and decided to place an order. I am thoroughly pleased with the offerings. The website is easy to navigate. My order was received in four days, and that was without expedited delivery! The quality is great. I will be giving it as a gift with pride. I am already looking at other products to place another order. This company is top notch, and I whole heartedly recommend it.

L
Lisa G.
Great Quality

I am very pleased with my shirt. It’s good quality, didn’t shrink when I washed it and feels good on. I’ll be purchasing more.