This is the first American flag to be named “Old
Glory.” The flag was made in 1824 for Captain
William Driver, who flew it on his ship twice around
the world and displayed it regularly on patriotic
occasions and holidays. Originally bearing twenty-four
stars, the worn and tattered flag was remade in
1861 with thirty-four stars, plus a white anchor
to signify Driver’s years at sea.
When the Civil War began and Tennessee, where
Driver had moved, seceded from the Union, the
flag survived, sewn inside a quilt. It was unfurled
when Union troops occupied Nashville in 1862.
It never flew again, but passed into legend and
bequeathed its name to all American flags.
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