Massachusetts Militia

This crimson banner, often referred to as the “Forster Flag” due to its provenance to the Forster family of Massachusetts, was likely used by the company of soldiers from Manchester, Massachusetts, in the 6th Essex County Militia Regiment. Samuel Forster, a merchant and shipmaster in Manchester, served as an officer in the company as Massachusetts prepared for a possible war with Britain. While training and drilling, Forster and his militiamen may have looked upon this banner, which was probably emblazoned with the British union in its canton. The presence of the union on the flag showed that these men remained loyal to their king, but they were prepared to fight to restore their rights as Americans within the British Empire.  

Militiamen from Manchester turned out on April 19, 1775, when word reached them about the fighting at Lexington and Concord. Rushing the 30 miles to the scene of the action, they found the British Army retreating to Boston. The militiamen may have brought this flag with them.  

But you might notice that this flag’s design has been altered. There is no longer a British union in its canton. Instead, six short white stripes (and seven more on the reverse) are stitched on the flag to represent the 13 United States. This change was likely done around the time of the Declaration of Independence as the American Revolutionaries now fought to break away from the British Empire. The dark area of the upper corner of this flag suggests its original design.