Columbus in Polk County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Star Spangled Banner

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025

1. Star Spangled Banner Marker

Inscription. On September 14th, 2012, internationally known French-born stone sculptor S. Harris Fortier presented this hand-carved limestone Star Spangled Banner to the House of Flags Museum. This 400 pound vibrant work of art, carved from a slab of 160 million year Texas limestone, tells a story of a pivotal moment in our nation's history. It also tells a story of two nations, France and America that share the same red, white, and blue flag colors and a French family's ties to the United States.

Erected by House of Flags Museum.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Vexillology series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 14, 2012.

Location. 35° 15.118′ N, 82° 11.868′ W. Marker is in Columbus, North Carolina, in Polk County. It is on Gibson Street south of East Mills Street (North Carolina Route 108), on the left when traveling south. The marker and flag sculpture is on the right side of the building front. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 33 Gibson St, Columbus NC 28722,

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United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1775 - Grand Union (Continental Colors) Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); 1765 - Sons of Liberty Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); 1774 Taunton Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); Star Spangled Banner - 1795 to 1818 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1775 - Flag of New England (a.k.a. Bunker Hill Flag) (within shouting distance of this marker); Polk County Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 1781 - Guilford Courthouse Flag

Star Spangled Banner sculpture. Marker is blow the flag image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025

2. Star Spangled Banner sculpture. Marker is blow the flag

(within shouting distance of this marker); 1776 - Betsy Ross Flag (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Star Spangled Banner and Marker at the House of Flags Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025

3. Star Spangled Banner and Marker at the House of Flags Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.