Betsy Ross and the American Flag

The Upholstery Shop

We come to the work shop where Betsy plied her trade as an upholsterer. After her first husband, John Ross, died, Betsy continued working on furniture, and sewing curtains, drapes, and wall hangings. Records show that she and John Claypoole covered a desk at the State House (Independence Hall) with green fabric.

Here are closeups on the tools and fabrics used by upholsterers in the 18th century.