The "Serapis" or "John Paul Jones" flag. Serapis is a name given to an unconventional, early United States ensign flown from the captured British frigate Serapis.

It was created to defuse a diplomatic crisis in 1779, after Captain John Paul Jones captured a British frigate and sailed it to the Dutch port of Texel – potentially saving the captain’s life. The Serapis Flag features thirteen blue, red and white stripes, arranged horizontally.

At a time in American history where no national flag yet existed, the Serapis flag was one of the first recognized symbols of the United States. Its name comes from the HMS Serapis, one of many ships in the Royal Navy named after the Greek god, Serapis.

There on 5 October 1779 the Flag having 13 red, white, and blue stripes was painted with the caption “Serapis, Frigate, Paul Jones Commandant.” Sources: Adams, John and Franklin, Benjamin.

The Serapis flag was a flag designed by Dutch supporters of the American Revolution in order to make sure that Serapis, a ship led by John Paul Jones during the American Revolution, would not be flagged down and held by the Dutch government as a pirate flag

Jan 21, 2006 · Franklin, Adams and the Serapis Flag. In a letter dated October 9, 1778, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams described this flag to the Ambassador of the King of the Two Sicilies. It is the flag later known as the "Serapis" flag.

Mar 4, 2023 · The Serapis flag, which flew atop the Bonhomme Richard during the Battle of Flamborough Head, is a striking symbol of American courage and determination. The flag is made of red silk and features a rattlesnake in the center, coiled around the masts of a ship.

Feb 2, 2025 · Unlike the familiar stars and stripes, the Serapis flag boasts an unconventional arrangement that reflects a specific moment in the American Revolution. The flag is recognizable for its 8-pointed stars, a departure from the standard 5-pointed stars, and its unusual arrangement of red, white, and blue stripes.

The Serapis Flag: Designed with 13 stripes alternating red , white and blue. This flag was raised by Captain John Paul Jones on the British frigate Serapis during the most famous Revolutionary naval battle.

Jun 24, 2024 · At a time in American history where no national flag yet existed, the Serapis flag was one of the first recognized symbols of the United States. Its name comes from the HMS Serapis, one of many ships in the Royal Navy named after the Greek god, Serapis.