General George Washington, at his headquarters in Cambridge, hoists the Continental Union Flag on this date in 1776.

This flag is generally thought to be the first flag of the United States of America, and had flown from an American warship (the Alfred) the previous December. It is generally believed that the thirteen alternating red and white stripes were meant to represent the thirteen colonies, with the Union Jack is the upper left corner acknowledging the British origins of the colonies. General Washington flew this flag high over the Continental positions near Boston, high enough that the Crown forces in Boston could see it.

A year and a half later, the Union Jack was replaced with the now familiar field of blue marked by white stars.

The Continental Union Flag is very similar to the flag used by the East India Company during the 18th century.

If you would like to learn more about the Continental Union Flag, there are several good websites, including here and here.