Origin and Meaning of the Colors on the Flag of the United States
The records show that since the United States gained independence in 1776, the U.S. flag has had 27 iterations or versions. But the one thing that has never changed is...
Tagged: Old Glory
“Old Glory” is a nickname for the flag of the United States.
Origin of “Old Glory”
The name “Old Glory” was given to a large U.S. flag by its owner, Captain William Driver, a shipmaster from Salem, Massachusetts. In 1831, as he was leaving on one of his many voyages aboard the brig Charles Doggett, his friends presented him with a beautiful flag of 24 stars. As the banner opened to the ocean breeze for the first time, he exclaimed, “Old Glory!”
Civil War Significance
During the American Civil War, Driver, then living in Nashville, Tennessee, hid the flag to prevent it from being confiscated by Confederate troops. He flew it when Union forces recaptured the city.
End of Captain Driver’s Life
By the time of Driver’s death in 1886, the term “Old Glory” had become synonymous with all American flags. His original flag has been held by the Smithsonian Institution.
How is the name viewed today?
Today, “Old Glory” remains a poetic and patriotic term used to reference the American flag, reminding many of the flag’s history, significance, and the unity it represents.
