Grand Union Flag - First National Flag of the United States (1775-1777) #1781191 (License: Personal Use)

This flag, also known as the Continental Colors or Cambridge Flag, was first raised by General George Washington on January 1, 1776, at Prospect Hill in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It combined the British Union Jack in the upper-left canton with thirteen alternating red and white stripes symbolizing the united Thirteen Colonies. Though it retained the Union Jack to signal loyalty during early negotiations, it marked a pivotal step toward independence before the Stars and Stripes replaced it in 1777.

Used in historical articles, museum exhibits, and educational resources about the American Revolutionary War; matches user intent for learning about early U.S. symbolism, colonial history, or flag evolution.