Experience 300 Years of Norwich History
The primary goal of this website is to educate the public about Norwich, Connecticut’s rich heritage and history spanning the 300-year period from 1659 to 1959. The site offers quick and easy access to an extensive collection of media, focusing on Norwich’s historical events, places, and other interesting tidbits.
This site is entirely free of charge
IconicNorwich.org features over 3,000 concise articles and numerous historical maps of Norwich. The articles are organized into more than 30 categories. The Bibliography connects you to thousands of historical web-based links from Norwich. Several quizzes, prepared presentations, and crossword puzzles are provided to enhance the learning environment.
You are invited to add or contribute to new or existing placemarks by filling out the form in the “Contribute Article” section.
Recent Updates to IconicNorwich.org
Added: Alfred H. Vaughn Biography: Click Here
Added: Henry H. Starkweather Biography: Click Here
Added: Chief John A. Bowen Biography: Click Here
Added: Gustave Geduldig Biography: Click Here
Added: Rew. Hiram P. Arms Biography: Click Here
Norwich Involvement in the Evolution of Our American Flag
The Flag of Great Britain, commonly known as the “King’s Colours” was used by Britain from 1707 to 1800. It was flown by the British Army throughout the Revolutionary war in the colonies.
The British Red Ensign flag was used as the Connecticut Colony flag prior to 1776. Many of the thirteen colonies flew this flag.
As the American rebellion grew the colonists needed a new flag that was distinctly different from the British Red Ensign.
On March 22, 1765, Britain passed the Stamp Act which went into effect on November 1, 1765. This legislation was designed to force American colonists to help pay Britain’s war debt incurred during the French and Indian War. The colonists immediately protested, and secret organizations called “Sons of Liberty” sprang up throughout the colonies.
The headquarters for the Sons of Liberty in Connecticut was in Norwich, and Major John Durkee was a very active and influential member of the organization.
The Grand Union Flag, also referred to as the “Continental Colors”, was used by the Continental Army and Continental Navy. It is not for certain when or by whom the design was created. Americans first hoisted the flag on the Continental Navy warships Alfred, commanded by Lt. John Paul Jones in December 3, 1775.
This flag was flown by George Washington and the Continental Army throughout the war.
The Betsy Ross Flag was developed soon after the end of the Revolutionary War. It is unknown how this specific design was developed. When and where this American flag was first flown in battle has not been definitely determined by scholars.
However, legend has it that the Betsy Ross flag was first flown in battle during the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge in 1777.
After the War of 1812 Captain Samuel Chester Reid, a native of Norwich, designed a new U.S. flag. In January 1817, Reid was asked by U.S. Congressional Representative Peter H. Wendover for advice in the design of a new flag for the United States. The existing flag design had fifteen stars and fifteen stripes. The design had not been updated to reflect the five new states that had joined the union since the flag was adopted in 1795.
Today’s flag, which has 13 stripes and 50 stars, has been flown throughout the United States since Hawaii was admitted into the union on July 4, 1960. It continues to reflect the pattern developed by Reid and Wendover’s.