Old Glory at Sea
The Stars and Stripes representing the 13 original colonies and all 50 states have come to symbolize so much to the diverse population of the United States of America and the world. For each individual it represents something different: for some, it's freedom, for others, liberty, while for others, hope, brotherhood, sacrifice, pride, compassion or all of the above. But one thing is certain, whenever the flag flies she sends a powerful, inspirational message to everyone who sees her. She's been present at launchings, sea battles, and yacht clubs, and flying high from merchant ships, yachts and military vessels. As we celebrate Memorial Day this week we salute the flag in a series of paintings as she has appeared at sea over the centuries. God bless America!
J. B. Smith — Schooner MARY D. LANE
l9th century artist J B. Smith (1798-1876) who worked with his son to create some of the best portraits of the day, never signed his paintings. Rather, his inclusion of the American flag painted in his distinctive manner served as his signatere for the two dazen paintings of his that survive today. Shown here is Smith's portrait of the Schooner Mary D Lane off a harbour entrance.
Tim Thompson — Schooner Yacht AMERICA and Royal Yacht VICTORIA AND ALBERT in the Needles
When the schooner yacht America took on and defeated the very best British yachts of the day on August 20, 1351, to win the first America's Cup, she flew the ensign authorized by US Congress in 1848 to be used by all the licensed yachts to identify their nationality so they would not have clear customs when entering or leaving port. At this yacht race it became a palpable symbol of national pride.
Why was she nicknamed “Old Glory?”
Old Glory is a nickname for the flag of the United States. The original "Old Glory" was a flag owned by the 19th-century American sea captain Wiliam Driver (1803-1886), who flew the flag during his career at sea and later brought it to Nashville, Tennessee, where he settled. Driver greatly prized the flag and ensured its safety from the Confederates, who attempted to seize the flag during the American Civil War. In 1922, Driver's daughter and niece claimed to own the original "Old Glory” which became part of the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains at the National Museum of American History.
Russ Kramer — Yacht AMERICA Salutes Queen Victoria, August 22, 1851
The 100 Guinea Cup Race pitted the New York Yacht Club’s schooner America against the best English yachts from the Royal Yacht Squadron, off the Isle of Wight on August 25 1851. When the race was over America crossed the finish line first and drawing close to the Royal Yacht where Queen Victoria was watching the race, America’s crew stopped and saluted while proudly flying a large distinctive American yacht ensign. This is Russ Kramer's painting of this exciting moment in yacht racing history .
Robert Sticker — USS VIXEN
USS VIXEN was a schooner in the United States Navy during the First Barbay War. VIXEN was one of four vessels authorized by Congress on February 28, 1803. She was built in Baltimore, Maryland, in the spring of 1803 and launched in June, with Lieutenant John Smith in command.
Patrick O’Brien — USS CONSTELLATION vs L’INSURGENTE, The Quasi War, 1799
In naval sea battles not only did the ships fly their nation's colors to identify themselves to the enemy, but also to instill the fervor of national pride in the officers and crew who would be fighting to protect the liberties she stood for. The end of a battle was signified when the colors of the losing ship were lowered and replaced by the flag of the victorious vessel.
