Trusted Writing on History, Travel, and American Culture Since 1949
American Flag
After years of ups and downs, Old Glory has just made its greatest comeback.
Half a year ago, Amherst, Massachusetts, held a meeting to discuss hanging American flags along the town’s main routes. Read more >>
Unlike many other flags, which evolved long after the character of their nations was established, the American flag was born with the Revolution, and few if any national emblems have inspired the veneration we accord it. Read more >>
It was easy enough for an excited and passionate South to pass secession resolutions in 1861—yet harder than it thought to get away from the Old Flag. Read more >>
Invented as part of a magazine promotional scheme in 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance has had a controversial career right from the start
It has been said that true patriotism never flags; Dr. Read more >>
When American colonists sorely needed friends, a Dutch island governor risked political ruin by saluting the rebels’ flag
Summer was on the wane in wartime Philadelphia, 1776, and the city which had startled the world with the Declaration of Independence was alive with purposeful activity. Read more >>