A Year of Reflection, Unity, and Hope

 

 

In 2026, the United States will mark a truly historic milestone—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

 

 

Across the nation, communities large and small are preparing for a yearlong celebration, honoring the journey from revolutionary beginnings to a vibrant, diverse democracy. From Philadelphia, where the nation’s story began, to every corner of the country, the Semiquincentennial—known as America250—invites all Americans and friends around the world to reflect on the ideals of liberty, resilience, and unity that have shaped the nation’s past and continue to inspire its future. This anniversary is more than a commemoration; it’s a chance to look forward with hope, to celebrate the threads that bind us, and to share in the enduring promise of freedom for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

The Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814)

The Tartan: A Woven Tribute to an Enduring Symbol of Freedom

Created by Steven Patrick Sim, The Tartan Artisan®, the Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814) Tartan is a unique and meaningful textile work. It was officially registered at the Scottish Register of Tartans on Independence Day, July 4, 2021—the 245th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.

This commemorative tartan, Registration Number #13214, is a visual homage to the flag that inspired America’s national anthem and stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiration and Historical Significance

The tartan honors the legendary Star-Spangled Banner—the great garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in September 1814.
As British warships bombarded the fort for 25 hours, the sight of the flag still flying at dawn inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the poem “Defence of Fort M'Henry,” which became the lyrics of the United States’ national anthem.

"O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light..."

The design captures both the drama of that night and the spirit of a nation, celebrating the flag’s past and present—a woven reminder of the ideals that continue to shape the United States.

 

 

The Colors: Red, White, and Blue

Drawn from the national colors of the United States, each hue in the tartan carries symbolic meaning:

• Red – Hardiness and Valor

• White – Purity and Innocence

• Blue – Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice
  
  

Every color is woven with purpose, echoing the values enshrined in the American flag.

 

 

The Sett: Stars and Stripes in Thread

The tartan is a visual tribute to the Stars and Stripes, with each color and thread carefully chosen to tell a unique part of the American story:

• Broad Red & White Stripes (13 threads each): These bold bands of red and white are woven to honor the original thirteen colonies, symbolizing the foundation upon which the nation was built.

• 15 Red & 15 Blue Threads: This pairing represents the 15 stripes and 15 stars that adorned the American flag in 1814, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s history and reflecting the evolving union during the era of the Battle of Baltimore.

• 50 Navy Threads: A field of deep navy threads represents the blue “union” of the modern American flag, symbolizing today’s 50 states and reflecting the nation’s unity and ongoing journey as it continues to grow and change.

• The Twinkling Stars: Fine white threads are woven into the pattern to evoke the iconic five-pointed star. Carefully placed to catch the light, they create a gentle, twinkling effect—recalling the stars that shone above Fort McHenry and inspired the national anthem. This detail is meant to spark a sense of hope and aspiration, echoing the enduring spirit of the flag and the nation it represents.
  
  

The intersection of navy and red, laced with blue, navy, and scarlet, evokes the explosive energy of the Battle of Baltimore—a visual metaphor for the rockets' red glare.

 

 

Hidden Secrets and Deeper Meaning

Positioned within the sett are four solid white squares—appearing where the broad white stripes cross. The geometry nods to the four cornerstones of the White House, and symbolically represents the Constitution of the United States.
In 1792, the first White House cornerstone was laid, only to vanish within 24 hours—a mystery that endures. These woven cornerstones honor the foundations of American democracy and the hope that the “People’s House” remains open to all.

 

 

Smithsonian Institution and Registration

The original Star-Spangled Banner—measuring 30 by 42 feet—is preserved in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C.
The tartan’s registration was made possible after receiving confirmation from the Smithsonian, and it was officially entered into the Scottish Register of Tartans on July 4, 2021.

No endorsements are made by the Smithsonian Institution in connection with the tartan.

 

 

The Artist’s Inspiration

The journey to this tartan began in 2014, with Steven Patrick Sim’s earlier creation: a tartan to celebrate the Declaration of Scottish Independence, Arbroath 1320—a woven tribute to Scotland’s heritage and its ancient declaration of freedom.
That project sparked a vision—to one day honor the United States of America with a tartan. The result is a plaid of revolutionary significance—honoring freedom, sovereignty, and independence.
This design celebrates a shared spirit between the U.S. and Scotland—a connection rooted in history, rebellion, and the pursuit of liberty.

 

 

A Living Legacy

As we mark the beginning of the year-long countdown to America’s Semiquincentennial in 2025, and look forward to the celebrations ahead, the Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814) Tartan stands as:

• A living work of art

• A bridge between history and the present

• An enduring symbol of liberty and unity
  
  

May it stand as a lasting reminder of the courage, hope, and vision that have shaped the United States—and continue to inspire all who hold freedom close to their hearts.

 

 

Official Registration Summary

Created by Steven Patrick Sim, The Tartan Artisan®

• Tartan Name: Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814)

• Registration Number: #13214

• Category: Commemorative

• Created: September 14, 2014

• Registered: July 4, 2021

 

 

“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

 

 

Coming Soon:

Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814)
Ltd Edition Fine Art Print

250th Semiquincentennial Commemorative Fine Art Tartan Print