When most people think of the American flag, they envision the current version consisting of 50 stars and 13 stripes. There have been other flags displayed throughout our nation’s history, however, one of which is the Pine Tree flag, which was one of the first flags displayed during the American Revolution. The Pine Tree flag depicts a pine tree in the middle against a white background. At the top is the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven.” Below are five facts about the Pine Tree flag along with the history and meaning.
#1) Also Known as the Appeal to Heaven Flag
The Pine Tree flag is also known as an Appeal to Heaven flag. This is a reference to the phrase depicted at the top. As previously mentioned, the Pine Tree flag features the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven” at the top. What is the meaning exactly? The phrase “An Appeal to Heaven” means that Americans should seek protection from the Almighty rather than the government.
#2) Designed By Colonel Joseph Reed
The history of this flag is also interesting. The Pine Tree flag was designed by Colonel Joseph Reed. Reed was a Founding Father of the United States. During the American Revolution, he served as a military officer. He also designed several flags around this time, including the First Navy flag and the Pine Tree flag. Reed wrote a letter in 1775 in which proposed a flag with a “white background and a tree in the middle, and the motto ‘An Appeal to Heaven.”
#3) Not the Only Flag That Depicts a Pine Tree
You might be surprised to learn that the Pine Tree flag is not the only historical American flag with a pine tree. Long before it was invented, there was the Massachusetts ts pine tree flag. The Massachusetts pine tree flag was used by colonists during the 17th century. Colonists would often display it on their properties. Reed’s Pine Tree flag, of course, came after the Massachusetts pine tree flag.
#4) Commissioned Under George Washington’s Authority
It’s a little-known fact that the Pine Tree flag was commissioned under George Washington’s authority. Reed wasn’t just a military officer; he served as Washington’s secretary. While serving as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, Washington authorized Reed to design the Pine Tree flag. Navy vessels throughout the state of Massachusetts displayed the Pine Tree flag as their official maritime ensign.
#5) Symbol of Independence
The Pine Tree flag has become of symbol of independence. The Revolutionary War, of course, was a turning point in our nation’s history. It marked the end of oppressive rule by a foreign government and the beginning of a new, free government led by the people. The Pine Tree flag is a symbol of this independence. Even today, many Americans proudly display it in front of their homes and businesses.
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History of the Pine Tree Flag
The Pine Tree Flag’s origins can be traced back to the beginning of the American Revolution. It was designed by Colonel Joseph Reed who, at the time, was George Washington’s secretary. Reed proposed a design consisting of a white background, a tree in the center and the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven” at the top. In 1776, the Massachusetts General Court passed a resolution stating that the tree should be a “green pine tree.”
During the American Revolution, the Pine Tree Flag was used as a maritime signal. It was prominently displayed on a half-dozen cruisers commissioned by George Washington. Other colonial ships began to display the Pine Tree Flag as well.
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What Does the Pine Tree Flag Symbolize and What Is The Meaning?
You might be wondering what the Pine Tree Flag symbolizes. The main focus of the Pine Tree Flag, of course, is the pine tree. It features a single pine tree in the center.
The pine tree symbolizes independence. Pine trees were common throughout New England. Britain, however, passed the Mast Preservation Clause, which allowed it to claim pine trees in New England with a diameter of at least 24 inches. As a result, the pine tree became a symbol of independence and resistance against Britain.
Ships were often built using pine trees. And during the American Revolution, the Pine Tree Flag was displayed on ships, such as those commissioned by George Washington. Regardless, the Pine Tree Flag meaning is independence and resistance against Britain.
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