What Is the Cowpens Flag (3rd Maryland Flag)?
The cowpens flag is an early Stars and Stripes design featuring 13 red-and-white stripes and a blue canton with 13 white stars: 12 arranged in a circle and the 13th positioned in the center. That single center star is the entire visual difference between this flag and the Betsy Ross. It meets the congressional requirements of the Flag Resolution of 1777 and is one of the earliest documented interpretations of the Stars and Stripes.
The flag is also called the 3rd Maryland flag or Cowpens 3rd Maryland flag. It is said to have been carried by William Batchelor of the 3rd Maryland Regiment at the Battle of Cowpens, South Carolina, on January 17, 1781, a decisive Patriot victory under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan that reversed momentum in the Revolutionary War's Southern campaign. The Batchelor family donated the original flag to the Society of the War of 1812 in 1894; it is now held at the Maryland State Archives.
One detail worth knowing before you shop: the famous Spirit of '76 painting by Archibald MacNeal Willard depicts the Cowpens design, not the Betsy Ross design, though many people assume otherwise. If you've seen that iconic Revolutionary War image of the drummer, fifer, and flag bearer, the flag in the background is this one.
Browse the full range of options in the Historical & Patriotic Flags collection to compare Cowpens versions side by side before buying.
Cowpens vs. Betsy Ross vs. Moultrie vs. Hopkinson: Which Flag Is Which?
Several 13-star Revolutionary-era flags look alike at a glance. Retailers sometimes mislabel them, one popular seller even describes the Cowpens flag as having "a white crescent moon in the upper left," which is flatly wrong. That crescent belongs to the Moultrie/Fort Moultrie Liberty flag, a completely different design. Here is a clean side-by-side comparison so you buy the right flag.
| Flag Name | Star Arrangement | Stripes | Other Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowpens / 3rd Maryland | 12 in a circle + 1 in the center (blue canton) | 13 red & white | Center star is the only difference from Betsy Ross |
| Betsy Ross | All 13 in a single circle (blue canton) | 13 red & white | No center star; circle is complete |
| Moultrie / Liberty | No stars | None | Blue field with white crescent in upper left; word LIBERTY |
| Hopkinson | 13 stars in rows (3-2-3-2-3 pattern) | 13 red & white | Grid arrangement, not a circle |
| Bennington | 13 stars in an arch above a large "76" | 13 red & white (7 white, 6 red, reversed from modern) | "76" numeral in canton; white outer stripes |
Quick rule: if you see a crescent moon on a flag being sold as "Cowpens," the retailer has mislabeled a Moultrie flag. If all 13 stars form one unbroken circle with no center star, that is the Betsy Ross. See our full comparison in 13 Star American Flag: Betsy Ross vs. Cowpens vs. Bennington vs. Hopkinson and the dedicated Betsy Ross Flag Buying Guide for a deeper look at the Betsy Ross version.
A Note on Authenticity: What the Historical Record Actually Shows
The Cowpens flag's battlefield story is disputed, and reputable retailers should say so. Here is what historians know:
- The 3rd Maryland Regiment had been largely disbanded after the Battle of Camden, roughly six months before Cowpens.
- No Continental regiment was officially authorized to carry a Stars and Stripes battle flag in 1781.
- A Smithsonian investigation found that the physical Batchelor artifact, now at the Maryland State Archives, dates to no earlier than approximately 1840, based on the type of fabric used. Some researchers place it as late as the Mexican-American War era (1846–48).
- The star arrangement itself was popular and legitimate: a Thomas Jefferson military commission from 1808 shows the same 3rd Maryland pattern applied to a 15-star flag, and USS Constitution flew a version of it.
None of this diminishes the flag as a commemorative or display piece. It is a genuine interpretation of the Flag Resolution of 1777 and a meaningful symbol of the Southern campaign. Just buy it with accurate expectations: it is a historically significant design, not a certified battlefield artifact.
What Size Cowpens Flag Should I Buy?
Match flag size to your display method. The standard flag-sizing rule is that flag length should be roughly one-quarter the height of the flagpole, but the table below maps each size directly to its best use case.
| Flag Size | Best Use Case | Typical Pole Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 x 18 in | Desk display, stick flag, reenactment prop, car antenna | Handheld / tabletop | Printed on lightweight fabric or paper; often sold as stick flags |
| 2 x 3 ft | Small house-mount bracket, boat stern, indoor wall mount | 4–6 ft pole | Good for tight spaces; detail visible up close |
| 3 x 5 ft | Standard house bracket, in-ground residential pole | 15–20 ft pole | The most popular size; correct proportion for most homes |
| 4 x 6 ft | Larger in-ground pole, commercial building bracket | 20–25 ft pole | May require lead time; confirm availability before ordering |
| 5 x 8 ft / 6 x 10 ft | Tall in-ground poles, civic or commemorative displays | 25–40 ft pole | Typically made-to-order; plan 2–3 weeks ahead |
For most homeowners flying from a standard house-mount bracket, 3 x 5 ft is the right call. If you are pairing the Cowpens with a current 50-star flag on a taller in-ground pole, step up to 4 x 6 ft so both flags carry equal visual weight. Sizing hardware for a second flag on the same pole? See What Size Second Flag for a Flagpole? for the size chart and hardware guide.
Nylon vs. Polyester: Which Material Is Right for My Cowpens Flag?
For an outdoor historical reproduction like the Cowpens flag, you are choosing between two materials. The star-and-stripe detail in the digital print is the same on both; the difference is how each material handles weather and wind.
- 200-denier nylon: The most popular outdoor choice for a Cowpens flag. Lightweight, flies fully in a light breeze, dries quickly, and holds color well in UV. Ideal for most residential climates. If you want a direct feel for quality 200D nylon construction, the Nylon American Flag (100% Made in USA) shows exactly what premium outdoor nylon looks and flies like.
- 250-denier polyester (Polynex): Heavier and more wind-resistant. Best for exposed coastal sites, high-wind plains, or poles taller than 25 ft where flag loads are higher. It takes a stronger breeze to fly fully, but it lasts longer in sustained wind. The Poly American Flag (100% Made in USA) gives you a benchmark for this weight and weave.
- Lightweight polyester / economy poly: Found on budget imports. Not recommended for a flag you plan to fly regularly outdoors. Colors fade faster and stitching separates sooner.
Bottom line: Choose 200D nylon for a flag you will fly 3–5 days a week in a typical residential setting. Choose 250D polyester if you live in a wind-prone area or plan to keep the flag up year-round in harsh conditions. For the flag denier numbers explained in more depth, see our guide to Flag Denier Meaning: What 200D Nylon vs. 2-Ply Spun Polyester Really Tells You.
How Do I Know If My Cowpens Flag Is Made in the USA?
The Made-in-USA distinction matters more for a historical reproduction than for almost any other flag, because imported versions routinely cut corners on print quality and stitching that are highly visible on a detailed 13-star design. Here is what to check on a quality Cowpens flag listing:
- FMAA-certified tag: The Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) certifies that flags are fully manufactured in the U.S. Look for this tag on the canvas header or listed explicitly in the product description.
- Digital print, single-reverse: This is the correct construction for a historical 13-star flag. "Single-reverse" means the design is printed on one face; the reverse shows a mirror image at about 50% opacity through the fabric. Double-sided (sewn panel) construction exists but is rare and significantly more expensive for this design.
- Canvas header with 2 brass grommets: A canvas or heavy-cotton header reinforces the hoist edge. Brass (not zinc or plastic) grommets resist corrosion. This is the standard on quality outdoor versions.
- Reinforced stitching: Look for 2 rows of stitching on the top and bottom edges and 4 rows on the fly end (the open edge). The fly end takes the most stress in wind.
- Stated origin: "Made in USA" must appear in the listing. "Designed in USA" or "assembled in USA" is not the same claim.
Run the full seven-point pre-purchase check using our Made in the USA Flag Buyer's Verification Checklist before placing any order for a historical flag.
How to Display the Cowpens Flag for America's 250th in 2026
The Cowpens flag is a fitting choice for America's Semiquincentennial because the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781, was a turning point in the Southern campaign, occurring almost exactly 245 years before the 2026 celebration. Flying a 13-star flag from this period is a direct, historically grounded way to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
For the 250th Anniversary commemorative display, here are the display scenarios and how to handle each:
House-Mount Bracket (Most Common)
A 3 x 5 ft Cowpens flag on a 6-foot house-mount pole with a 45-degree bracket is the simplest and most visible residential setup. The Premium American Flag Display Set (pole, mount, and aluminum rings) gives you everything needed in one kit. Hang the Cowpens flag alone or pair it below a current 50-star flag on a two-flag bracket, in that case, the 50-star flag always occupies the upper position on the same pole.
In-Ground Flagpole (Dual-Flag Display)
If you fly the Cowpens alongside the current U.S. flag on separate in-ground poles, position the 50-star flag on the center or tallest pole, with the Cowpens flag to its left from the observer's perspective (the flag's own right). Both flags should be the same size and fly at the same height on equal-height poles. Never fly a historical U.S. flag above the current national flag.
Indoor or Ceremonial Display
For a den, office, or event display, mount the Cowpens on a parade-style floor stand to the left of the speaker or center of the room. Fringe on an indoor historical flag is acceptable and traditional for ceremonial presentations.
The Oval vs. Circle Reproduction Choice
Most commercially available Cowpens flags use a circular star arrangement. The physical Batchelor artifact at the Maryland State Archives shows an oval arrangement of the 12 outer stars. Both are historically defensible reproductions. The circular version is more widely available and more commonly recognized; the oval version is slightly more faithful to the surviving artifact. Either is appropriate for a 2026 commemorative display.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a Moultrie flag when you want a Cowpens flag. If the listing mentions a crescent moon or the word "Liberty," that is a different flag entirely. The Cowpens has no crescent.
- Assuming it is identical to the Betsy Ross. The center star is the distinguishing feature. If all 13 stars form one unbroken circle, you have a Betsy Ross, not a Cowpens.
- Ordering the wrong size for your pole. A 3 x 5 ft flag on a 25-ft in-ground pole will look undersized. Use the one-quarter-pole-height rule and the size table above.
- Skipping the Made-in-USA check. Imported historical flags frequently have washed-out colors on the blue canton, which makes the star detail hard to read from a distance, defeating the purpose of flying a distinctive design.
- Flying the Cowpens above the current 50-star flag. Historical U.S. flags are subordinate to the current national flag in any multi-flag display. The 50-star always takes the position of honor.
- Using the wrong bracket angle. A 90-degree bracket holds the pole straight out perpendicular to the wall. Most residential facades look better with a 45-degree angle, which keeps the flag extended and readable. Check our Flagpole Bracket Angle Guide before mounting.
- Neglecting snap hook compatibility. Standard 3 x 5 ft flags use 1/2-inch brass grommets. Make sure your snap hooks match. The wrong hook size causes the flag to hang crooked or snap free in wind.
Cowpens vs. Betsy Ross: Which Should I Buy for America's 250th?
Both flags commemorate the same founding era and both meet the Flag Resolution of 1777. Here is how to decide:
- Buy the Cowpens flag if you want to highlight the Revolutionary War's Southern campaign, the Battle of Cowpens specifically, or the distinctive 12-plus-1 star arrangement that appears in the Spirit of '76 painting. It is also the less common choice, which makes it stand out in a neighborhood already flying Betsy Ross flags.
- Buy the Betsy Ross if your goal is the most widely recognized 13-star design or if you want the flag most associated with the founding period broadly. The 2026 250th Anniversary Betsy Ross Flag is available in a commemorative nylon version with the 1776–2026 milestone framing built in.
- Fly both on a dual-bracket or dual-pole setup: the Cowpens on the secondary position, the 50-star current flag in the position of honor. This is historically coherent and visually striking for a July 4, 2026 display.
If you are comparing multiple Revolutionary-era flags before committing, the Bennington 76 Flag Buyer's Guide walks through another popular Southern-campaign-era design with its own distinct visual identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Cowpens flag and the Betsy Ross flag?
The only visual difference is star placement. The Betsy Ross flag has all 13 stars arranged in a single complete circle. The Cowpens flag has 12 stars in a circle with a 13th star in the center. Both have 13 red-and-white stripes and a blue canton, and both meet the Flag Resolution of 1777.
Does the Cowpens flag have a crescent moon?
No. The Cowpens flag has no crescent. A crescent moon in the upper-left corner belongs to the Moultrie/Fort Moultrie Liberty flag, a completely separate Revolutionary-era design. Any retailer describing a Cowpens flag with a crescent has mislabeled their product.
Is the Cowpens flag historically authentic?
The design is a legitimate interpretation of the Flag Resolution of 1777. However, historians now believe the surviving Batchelor artifact at the Maryland State Archives dates to approximately 1840 or later, not to the 1781 battle. The 3rd Maryland Regiment had also been largely disbanded before the Battle of Cowpens. The flag is an authentic period design, but its specific battlefield use is debated.
What size Cowpens flag should I buy for a standard home flagpole?
For a typical house-mount bracket and 6-foot pole, a 3 x 5 ft flag is the correct size. For an in-ground residential pole of 15–20 feet, 3 x 5 ft also works well. Step up to 4 x 6 ft for poles in the 20–25 ft range.
What material is best for an outdoor Cowpens flag?
200-denier nylon is the standard recommendation for most outdoor residential displays. It flies in a light breeze, dries fast, and holds printed color well. Choose 250-denier polyester if you are in a high-wind or coastal environment or plan to leave the flag up year-round without taking it in during storms.