06/15/2021
Happy National Flag Day!
In honor of the 150th Anniversary of West Deptford Township, we would like to share some interesting facts about our National Symbol, the American Flag and how it relates to West Deptford.
As we have been told through the years, Betsy Ross designed the first United States Flag with 13 stars on a blue field with 13 alternating red and white stripes. But...did you know that Betsy Griscom spent many a summer on her family farm here in West Deptford? Located in the Greenfields section of West Deptford, the Griscom House or as it was known the "Green-Fields Farm" stands as a reminder of West Deptford's role during Colonial times. Her relative, Ann Cooper, widow of John Cooper, purchased the property in 1731. The farm consisted of 231 acres. In the 1860's, the house and plantation was then owned by the Griscom family. It was deeded through the families for 8 generations. This property is located where the Southwood Baptist Church sits today.
The Cooper-Griscom Farm is referenced at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, PA.
Below is historical information about Betsy Griscom Ross and the history of the first American flag, commissioned by General George Washington. Information below is summarized from Wikipedia.
"Elizabeth Griscom Ross (née Griscom; January 1, 1752 – January 30, 1836), also known by her second and third married names, Ashburn and Claypoole, was an American upholsterer who was credited by her relatives in 1870 with making the first American flag, accordingly known as the Betsy Ross flag. The Ross family tradition holds that General George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and two members of a congressional committee—Robert Morris and George Ross—visited Mrs. Ross in 1776. Mrs. Ross convinced George Washington to change the shape of the stars in a sketch of a flag he showed her from six-pointed to five-pointed by demonstrating that it was easier and speedier to cut the latter."
