Mary Pickersgill

Mary Pickersgill was an American seamstress best known for sewing the famous Star-Spangled Banner flag during the War of 1812. Born in 1779, she led a team of women to craft the large national flag that inspired the U.S. national anthem. Her dedication to her craft and patriotic spirit symbolize early American resilience and craftsmanship. The flag she made was hoisted over Fort McHenry in Baltimore during a British attack in 1814, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the national anthem. Pickersgill's work highlights the important role of women and artisans in American history.