1796: Our First Flag - Community Sewing Day
Schedule
Sun Jun 14 2026 at 10:00 am to 09:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
126 S Monroe St, Monroe, MI, United States, Michigan 48161 | Monroe, MI
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According to local Monroe legend, the "First American flag raised on Michigan soil" flew over the River Raisin Settlement in 1796. While details of that story are largely lost to history, we do know that a U.S. military force traveled through what would become Monroe County en route to finally close a chapter of the Revolutionary War, over a decade after its end. Though Great Britain formally recognized American Independence in 1783, redcoat soldiers remained at the far western post of Detroit, departing only when a U.S. force led by Captain Moses Porter finally arrived on July 11, 1796 to take command. The British withdrawal sparked a celebration, highlighted by hoisting the National Colors over Detroit for the first time. The flag brought the spirit of the revolution to the shores of the Great Lakes, reverberating throughout Michigan's expanse of frontier settlements. It was a long-awaited declaration of victory, and the dawn of a new future for everyone in our region.
In honor of the events of 1796, the Monroe County Museum System invites everyone to participate in creating a faithful reproduction of the 1796 U.S. National flag. This 100% handsewn woolen flag will be flown over the Monroe County Courthouse July 1-9.
Following summer 2026 patriotic celebrations, the flag will formally enter the Monroe County Museum's object collections, reposing permanently as a potent symbol of our community joining together—quite literally—in the spirit of '76 (or '96!).
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Where is it happening?
126 S Monroe St, Monroe, MI, United States, Michigan 48161Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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