The Evolution of the American Flag Part I

St. George’s Cross has been recognized as the flag of England since the time of the Crusades. It became the official flag of England and Wales in 1277 and can still be seen today hanging in windows of English nationalists or being waved at sporting events. This is the flag that fluttered over Jamestown, Plymouth, and other early English settlements in America. In 1606 with the official union of Scotland and England, the two nations’s flags were interposed to create what is commonly called the "Union Jack." Both flags were used for the next 100 years - the Union Jack being used for Britain’s maritime ships and St. George’s Cross for her land settlements. After 1707 the Union Jack would be used for both.

Scotland's St Andrew’s Cross, though never officially flown in the American Colonies, has had its influence on our country nevertheless. As stated, it was combined with England’s St. George’s Cross in 1606 to symbolize the union of Scotland with England and Wales.

St. Andrew’s Cross was also used by the Confederate States of America to create what is called the Confederate “Battle Flag” in its war against the North as many of the white Southerners had Scottish heritage.

Note: We often mistakenly refer to this as an “X” when it is actually a cross based on the execution of Christ’s disciple Andrew. He supposedly felt unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus and was granted this last wish by his executioners.

The Union Jack was created in 1606 to symbolize the Union of England and Scotland. The light blue of the Scottish flag was darkened so that it would not fade so readily at sea. This flag flew over the American Colonies from 1707 until Independence. Though similar to the modern Union Jack, an astute observer would notice a difference. Do you recognize it?