Although we think of the year 1776 as the time of the birth of the United States, it was actually not until 1777 that the Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress.. This document served as the first constitution of the United States. On June 14, 1777, Congress declared that the flag of the United States would consist of 13 alternating red and white stripes and a blue field with 13 white stars. To this date, we continue to celebrate June 14 as Flag Day.
1777 was the bloodiest year of the Revolutionary War. In September and October of that year, the British lost the battle of Saratoga giving a decisive victory to the Americans in the American Revolutionary War.
This quilt was made some 100 years after the end of the Revolution but was clearly meant to commemorate it. It has the traditional 13 alternating stripes with 13 white stars and the date 1777. The white stripes are quilted with cable patterning and cross hatch in the red stripes. The quilt has been professionally laundered and is in excellent condition. It is from Fleetwood, Pennsylvania (Berks County). Measurements are 60" x 84".