Somerville's First Flag Raising Hitting Historic Milestone

SOMERVILLE, MA — An annual New Year’s Day tradition in Somerville has a bit more significance in 2026.

Each year, the Somerville Museum and Mayor’s Office commemorates the first flag raising of the American Revolution, which took place on Prospect Hill on Jan. 1, 1776. This year’s event will mark the 250th anniversary of the significant moment in the country’s history. At that time, Prospect Hill was a part of Charlestown, as Somerville was not founded until nearly 70 years later. General George Washington had the Grand Union Flag raised as a symbol of defiance and strength by the Continental Army as it announced itself as a national army as opposed to simply 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 contains the British Union Flag. The stars were not adopted until 1777.

The event is slated to begin at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1 when “George Washington” will depart from the City Hall Concourse and head for Prospect Hill. According to the Somerville Museum, this year’s program includes participation by militia from Charlestown and Bedford, Rhode Island. Notable guests include Somerville native Major General Richard Johnson, Deputy FORSCOM Director and historical interpreter Sean Osborne, who is set to portray Continental Army soldier Primus Hall. Hall was the son of enslaved parents Delia and Prince Hall and later a respected educator and abolitionist who enlisted in January 1776 in pursuit of his freedom.

As Hall, Osborne will lead historical music singalongs. A flag creating activity will be available for children.

“This event marks 250 years of shared history and reaffirms our collective responsibility to create a better tomorrow," Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said in a statement. "May we continue to lead through our values, striving to build a city where equity, innovation, freedom, and opportunity thrive.”

The event is free and open to the public. Hot beverages and pastries will be available to attendees. The First Flag Raising reenactment was first developed by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.

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