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

1775 - Grand Union (Continental Colors) Flag

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025

1. 1775 - Grand Union (Continental Colors) Flag Marker

Inscription. The first national flag of Colonial America. First hoisted the on the American Colonial warship Alfred, in the harbor at Philadelphia, on December 3, 1775, by newly appointed Lieutenant John Paul Jones of the new Continental Navy. The flag was used by the Continental Army forces as both a naval ensign and garrison flag throughout 1776 and early 1777. On January 1, 1776, the Grand Union flag (Continental Colors) was displayed on Prospect Hill.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Vexillology series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 3, 1775.

Location. 35° 15.109′ N, 82° 11.853′ W. Marker is in Columbus, North Carolina, in Polk County. It is on Gibson Street just north of Ward Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is a part of the display of historic flags at Veterans Park. They are in a planter at the west side of the park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Gibson St, Columbus NC 28722, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

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: Star Spangled Banner - 1795 to 1818 (here, next to this marker); 1775 - Flag of New England (a.k.a. Bunker Hill Flag) (here, next to this marker); 1774 Taunton Flag (here, next to this marker); Polk County Civil War Memorial (here, next to this marker); 1765 - Sons of Liberty Flag (here, next to this marker); 1781 - Guilford Courthouse Flag (a few steps from this marker); 1776 - Betsy Ross Flag (a few steps from this marker); 1777 - Hopkinson Flag (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Full view of the north side of the historic flags markers. Grand Union Flag indicated by the arrow image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025

2. Full view of the north side of the historic flags markers. Grand Union Flag indicated by the arrow

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 224 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.