Betsy Ross was born January I, 1752 in Pittsburg Pennsylvania. Her original name was Elizabeth Griscom Ross. Betsy Ross was known for making the American Flag.

In 1773 Betsy Ross married a man named John Ross. They owned an upholstery business. Her husband was later killed at war by an accidental explosion of gunpowder. Even after his death Betsy continued to run their business.

Meanwhile, the United States decided that they needed a flag. Flags were beginning to be made in other countries so they passed a resolution. Betsy, who was said to be famous for her needlework, was asked by George Washington, George Ross and Robert Morris to make an American Flag. Betsy agreed and made sugesstions to their sketches. The sketches were redrawn and sent to her. The flag was then made and aproved by congress. The first person to raise the flag was John Paul Jones at war.

Betsy got a contract to make all the government flags and continued to make flags even after she went blind. She also made carpets. She taught all of her kids and grandkids. Her grandson William Canby told her story to publicity which was how she became known. In 1905 they made her home a permanent memorial known as The American Flag House. She died January 30,in 1836 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

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