Philadelphia - The Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House is on Arch Street in Philadelphia:

http://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/what-to-see/

We had about an hour and a half to walk from the main drop off point, view the Betsy Ross House, Christchurch Church and Cemetery, and Elfreth Alley, then get back to catch the last bus. Because of that, we decided that we wouldn't take the tour.

A lot of our attention was taken by what I thought was a cistern but may have just been a statue, because it featured cats.

The really funny thing was that there was a sign for her grave that seemed to be pointing to the statue. Was Betsy Ross a cat lady?

No. This page says that she was not known to have any special affinity for cats:

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/house/room2.html

Also, when we were inside we asked about it and they said the grave was in that direction, but a little further.

That did look more like a grave.

While much of what we associate Betsy Ross with are apparently myths spread by her grandchildren, the house does play up the flag, as well as needlework, and definitely strips and stars.

If you do go inside without taking the tour, you will find a small shop, but also information on special events like this candle dipping class.

In that way, even if Betsy Ross is not the part of history that we think of, the house still becomes a way of preserving history in general.

After all, these were still important times, and she was there, no matter who made the flag.