Pennsylvania Colonial/Revolutionary War Flags (U.S.)

Historical

Last modified: 2002-11-30 by rick wyatt
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• Philadelphia Light Horse
• Flag of the First Pennsylvania Rifles
• Hanover Associators

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• Pennsylvania
• Colonial and Revolutionary War Flags
• U.S. Historical flags

Philadelphia Light Horse
First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry

by Randy Young, 11 February 2001

Source: "Flags to Color from the American Revolution."

This flag belongs to the First Troop, Philadelphia Light Horse. The colors are listed as: "Bright yellow field, silver fringe. Union Jack as in the Continental Colors; bay horse with a white star on the forehead on the crest; gold knot and radiating ribbons on a blue shield, silver ribbons below and on the border around the shield; silver letters L.H. (Light Horse). Supporters: a rosy-cheeked Indian, his kilt with gold and red feathers, red headdress, gold quiver with blue strap, buff moccasins; an angel with bluish wing, purple robe and golden trumpet."

The narrative:

"Captain Abraham Markoe gave this flag to the troop in 1775. For many years it was believed to be the earliest flag of stripes in the United States, but close examination of the original proves that the stripes were added over the existing Union Jack canton. The 'Continental masquerading as an Indian' holding a staff with a liberty cap and the trumpeting angel symbolized liberty and fame."

The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry (FTPCC), founded in 1774, is the oldest continuously serving unit of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The original Troop Flag, which was carried when the Troop was General George Washington's bodyguard, and also in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Germantown, is in the Troop Museum at 23rd & Ranstead, Philadelphia, PA 19103. You can obtain more information at www.ftpcc.org.
Sergeant Gordon Martin II, 8 August 1999

by Rick Wyatt, 10 September 1999

The flag has a green border and a red center. On the upper left hand corner are the letters "P.M. i R" In the center is a lion, and an American capturing the lion with a huge net. At the bottom, there is a legend "Dominari Nolo" (I Will Not Be Dominated).

This is a flag from the American Revolution: that of the First Pennsylvania Rifles, a militia troop, of sorts. The PM refers to "Pennsylvania Militia", and the i R is "1st Rifles."The legend refers to the American's desire to be free from the King of England.
Nick Artimovich, 25 April 1996

by Randy Young, 1 February 2001

Source: "Flags to Color from the American Revolution."

This flag belongs to the Hanover Associators, and is on page 17. The colors are listed as "Red field and trim on cap; yellow fringe and scroll; black lettering and cap; green ground and uniform with cream legs, trim, feather and powder horn; brown belt and light blue rifle barrel."

"The Hanover Association of volunteers was formed on June 4, 1774, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They resolved 'that in the event of Great Britain attempting to force unjust laws upon us by strength of arms, our cause we leave to Heaven and our rifles.' The rifleman on the flag shows this point. This flag no longer exists, and the authority for it is an ancient engraving in the Pennsylvania State Archives."