AKA, The Pine Tree Flag
AKA, The "An Appeal to Heaven" Flag
The Washington Cruisers flag, also known as the "An Appeal to Heaven" or Pine Tree flag, earned its reputation in the years before and during the American Revolution.
A pivotal period in American history is retold through an understanding of its components. Its design elements are drawn from the colonies' natural environment, philosophical influences, and the challenges they faced in seeking independence.
This flag features a white field with a green pine tree at its center and the inscription "An Appeal to Heaven" along the top edge. Its origins, symbolism, and usage during the Revolutionary War reflect the sentiments and strategies of the American colonies in their quest for independence.
Origins and Design
In October 1775, General George Washington commissioned a small fleet of schooners to intercept British supply ships. To distinguish these vessels, Colonel Joseph Reed, Washington's secretary, proposed a flag design featuring a white background with a green pine tree and the motto "An Appeal to Heaven." This design was adopted for the fleet, which became known as Washington's Cruisers.
Symbolism of the Pine Tree
The pine tree was a longstanding emblem in New England, symbolizing both the region's abundant natural resources and its spirit of independence. Tall white pines were particularly valued for ship masts, and British efforts to reserve these trees for their navy led to tensions with colonists, ultimately culminating in events like the Pine Tree Riot of 1772. Thus, the pine tree on the flag represented colonial resistance to British exploitation.
The Motto: "An Appeal to Heaven"
The phrase "An Appeal to Heaven" is attributed to the English philosopher John Locke, who used it in his "Second Treatise on Government" to justify the right of revolution by oppressed people against tyrannical rule. The flag's usage of this motto underscored the colonies' position that, having exhausted all earthly avenues for justice, they were appealing to a higher authority in their quest for independence.
Adoption by the Massachusetts Navy
In 1776, the Massachusetts Council voted to establish the flag as the banner of the state navy... and it is still the official maritime symbol for the commonwealth to this day (less the script since 1971).
Usage During the Revolutionary War
Beyond Washington's Cruisers, the flag was flown by various colonial forces.
- In January 1776, Commodore Samuel Tucker sailed under this banner when capturing a British troop transport attempting to relieve besieged forces in Boston.
- Some historians note that General Israel Putnam's troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill used a flag bearing the "An Appeal to Heaven" motto.
- The famous Revolutionary War era painter, John Trunbull, has featured the Pine Tree flag in several of his depictions of battle scenes.
Legacy and Modern Use
Aside from continued use by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts naval units, the most notable additional influence is on the state of Maine, which is nicknamed the "Pine Tree State."
The state flag of Maine featured a pine tree and a blue star from 1901 to 1909. In 2024, a referendum in Maine considered reinstating this design, though the measure did not pass. The state's Merchant and Marine flag, however, does still feature a pine tree on a white background.
The Washington Cruisers flag has experienced a resurgence in various contexts. In recent years, it has been adopted by different groups, each opting to use the symbolism with varying degrees of reinterpretation.
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