Step back to the very birth of the United States and behold a flag that has survived over two centuries—a 13-star, 13-stripe emblem of the nation’s first customs service.

Woven from silk and metallic threads, it is a silent witness to the dawn of American government, a treasure that whispers the story of a fledgling nation asserting its identity.

This 13-star, 13-stripe flag is believed to be the oldest surviving U.S. Revenue-Marine ensign and Customhouse flag, likely dating to 1790–91 when the first U.S. Customs Office was established.

Hand-sewn with wool stripes over a silk canton, and detailed with metallic ribbon and fine embroidery, it was probably displayed onshore rather than flown at sea. The vertical stripes reflect an early effort to distinguish this bureaucratic flag from the national flag, which evolved as new states joined the Union.

In 1799, Secretary of the Treasury Oliver Wolcott designed a 16-stripe ensign for revenue cutters, rotating the stripes to differentiate it from the national flag, but local customhouses often continued flying their own variants. Textile analysis could confirm that this flag represents the original blueprint of the early 13-star, 13-stripe government flag. Its survival makes it a unique and rare symbol of the United States’ first federal bureaucracy.

reference Articles

History Of The
US Civil Flag

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Adventures Under The Stars and Stripes

A treasure that whispers the story of a fledgling nation asserting its identity.

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The Flag America Forgot

Every nation has both a war flag and a peace flag.

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The Hidden Secrets Of Our Flag

No one has authority over us or our flags, and none of their debts belong to us.

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The Real American Flag

When enough of us stand together and say we want peace, it becomes possible.

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The Civil Peace Flag: A Symbol of True Liberty

Long before the current U.S. Code “official” flag, patriots created a banner to symbolize their fight for freedom.

History Of The Flags

Step back to the very birth of the United States and behold a flag that has survived over two centuries—a 13-star, 13-stripe emblem of the nation’s first customs service.

Woven from silk and metallic threads, it is a silent witness to the dawn of American government, a treasure that whispers the story of a fledgling nation asserting its identity.

This 13-star, 13-stripe flag is believed to be the oldest surviving U.S. Revenue-Marine ensign and Customhouse flag, likely dating to 1790–91 when the first U.S. Customs Office was established.

reference Articles

History Of The
US Civil Flag

Adventures Under The Stars and Stripes

The Flag America Forgot

The Hidden Secrets Of Our Flag

The Real American Flag

The Civil Peace Flag: A Symbol of True Liberty

Videos

What's The Difference Between A Wartime Flag And A Peacetime Flag?

The Story Behind Old Glory

Did You Know America Once Had A PEACE Flag?

US Civil Flag Of Peace - What Does An American Flag With Vertical Lines Mean?

This Is The Story Of Our
Beloved Old Glory

Oliver Wolcott

As we restructure our web content with the most accurate, easy-to-follow educational materials, we invite you to return anytime for updates and new workshop schedule.

Let’s connect personally — one-on-one — to explore what this means for you, your family, and your future. Together, we’ll chart a lawful, faith-filled path toward real independence.

Testy Tester©
Your Santa Rosa County Organizer

Have Questions?

We are always here to help you in any way we can.

History Of The Flags

Step back to the very birth of the United States and behold a flag that has survived over two centuries—a 13-star, 13-stripe emblem of the nation’s first customs service.

Woven from silk and metallic threads, it is a silent witness to the dawn of American government, a treasure that whispers the story of a fledgling nation asserting its identity.

This 13-star, 13-stripe flag is believed to be the oldest surviving U.S. Revenue-Marine ensign and Customhouse flag, likely dating to 1790–91 when the first U.S. Customs Office was established.

reference Articles

History Of The US Civil Flag

Adventures Under The Stars and Stripes

The Flag America Forgot

The Hidden Secrets Of Our Flag

The Real American Flag

The Civil Peace Flag: A Symbol of True Liberty

Videos

What's The Difference Between A Wartime Flag And A Peacetime Flag?

The Story Behind Old Glory

Did You Know America Once Had A PEACE Flag?

US Civil Flag Of Peace - What Does An American Flag With Vertical Lines Mean?

This Is The Story Of OurBeloved Old Glory

Oliver Wolcott

As we restructure our web content with the most accurate, easy-to-follow educational materials, we invite you to return anytime for updates and new workshop schedule.

Let’s connect personally — one-on-one — to explore what this means for you, your family, and your future. Together, we’ll chart a lawful, faith-filled path toward real independence.

Testy Tester©Your Santa Rosa County Organizer

Have Questions?

We are always here to help you in any way we can.

History Of The
US Civil Flag

This Is The Story Of Our
Beloved Old Glory

Testy Tester©
Your Santa Rosa County Organizer