Story of the Bradley Flag*

    Stephen Rowe Bradley wrote the “Appeal to the Candid and Impartial World,” to the new U.S. Congress. Vermont was accepted as the fourteenth state of the Union in 1791 and Bradley was the state’s first U.S. Senator representing the eastern half of the state.

     Senator Bradley in 1798 addressed Congress and in part said “Kentucky and Vermont have been added to the Union, and they consider themselves of as much importance as the thirteen original colonies and desire to be represented in the flag. I therefore, move that the flag be fifteen stars and fifteen stripes” The motion became law taking effect May 1, 1795.

     Originally known as the “Bradley Flag” it later became known as the Fort McHenry Flag and finally the “Star-Spangled Banner” after it inspired Frances Scott Key to write a poem (while prisoner on a ship during the War of 1812) that became a song (U.S. National Anthem). The flag was in use until July 4. 1818.