Somerville will mark the 250th anniversary of the first flag raising tied to the American Revolution on Jan. 1, 1776.
The Somerville Museum and the Mayor’s Office are leading the annual New Year’s Day commemoration, which is tied to the history of Prospect Hill. During the American Revolution, Prospect Hill was a part of Charlestown, since Somerville was not founded until nearly 70 years later.
On Jan. 1, 1776, Gen. George Washington requested that the Grand Union Flag be raised as a symbol of defiance and strength by the Continental Army, as it declared itself a national army rather than a militia. The Grand Union Flag features 13 red and white stripes as a symbol for the first 13 colonies, much like the American flag. However, the upper left features the British Union Flag…