The Betsy Ross House stands as a testament to American history and revolutionary spirit, but it's also home to one of Philadelphia's most enduring ghost stories—the spirit of Betsy Ross herself may still reside in her beloved home.
Built around 1740, this modest two-and-a-half-story home became forever intertwined with American history when Betsy Ross moved here in the 1770s. Born Elizabeth Griscom in 1752, Betsy was a skilled upholsterer and seamstress who ran her business from this very house.
According to tradition, in June 1776, Betsy received a visit from George Washington with a design for a new flag for the emerging nation. In the upstairs rooms of this house, she sewed what would become the first American flag. But many believe Betsy never truly left the home where she experienced such profound moments of both joy and sorrow.
The Story of Betsy Ross
Betsy Ross was a woman of remarkable determination and skill. Born to a Quaker family, she scandalized her community by eloping with John Ross, an Episcopalian, which led to her expulsion from the Quaker meeting house. Undeterred, she and John started their own upholstery business.
Tragedy struck when John died in an explosion while guarding munitions during the Revolutionary War. Betsy was widowed at just 24 years old. Rather than remarrying immediately or giving up her business, she continued running the upholstery shop on her own—a remarkable act of independence for a woman in the 18th century.
After creating the flag, Betsy continued her business, remarrying twice more and raising her children in this house. Each husband she had died before her, making her a widow three times over. When Betsy finally passed away in 1836 at age 84, she left behind a legacy that would inspire generations.
A House of Love and Loss
This house was the center of Betsy's entire life—she worked here, loved here, raised her children here, and created what would become one of America's most enduring symbols here. Betsy experienced tremendous loss within these walls. Three husbands, several of her children, and countless friends passed away during her lifetime.
But perhaps more importantly, this house represented Betsy's independence and strength. In an era when women had few rights and even fewer opportunities, she ran a successful business from this location for decades. Some believe her spirit remains as a guardian of the home that represented everything she fought for.
The Ghost of Betsy Ross
Visitors to the Betsy Ross House have reported numerous unexplained experiences over the years, and our Ghost Tour guests frequently share their encounters with our guides. The most common sighting is that of a woman in colonial-era dress, often seen on the narrow staircase that connects the floors of the house.
A Woman in Colonial Dress
One guest from New York described seeing a woman in an old-fashioned dress ascending the stairs. Thinking she was a museum employee in period costume, the guest didn't think much of it—until she asked a staff member about the reenactor and was told that the museum doesn't employ costumed interpreters.
Multiple visitors have reported seeing this same apparition on the staircase, always wearing colonial-era clothing, always appearing solid and real before fading away. The descriptions consistently match what Betsy Ross would have looked like during her time living in the house.
Phantom Sewing Sounds
Multiple visitors have reported hearing the sound of someone sewing—the rhythmic sound of a needle pushing through fabric, accompanied by the gentle hum of someone working contentedly. These sounds are most often heard in the upstairs rooms where Betsy would have worked.
When people investigate, they find the rooms empty, with no explanation for the sounds. It's as if Betsy is still hard at work in her upholstery shop, continuing the craft she loved even in death.
A Motherly Presence
A family from Virginia on our ghost tour reported experiencing a sudden drop in temperature while touring the house, despite it being a warm summer day. Their teenage daughter, who had been skeptical about the ghost tour, felt what she described as 'a motherly presence'—comforting rather than frightening.
She later said she felt as though Betsy was welcoming them into her home. This warm, protective presence has been reported by numerous visitors, particularly women and children. Rather than feeling frightened, they describe feeling welcomed and safe.
Messages from Beyond
Perhaps the most touching account comes from a seamstress who visited from California. While touring the house, she felt inspired to touch the reproduction of Betsy's work table. The moment she did, she felt what she described as 'a warmth spreading through her hands,' and she heard—or perhaps felt—the words 'keep sewing' in her mind.
She later told our guide that she'd been considering giving up her craft business, but that moment changed her mind. She took it as a sign from Betsy herself—a woman who never gave up, even in the face of tremendous loss and adversity.
Visit the Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross House is open to the public as a museum and is a featured stop on our Ghosts of Philadelphia Tour. The house offers a fascinating glimpse into colonial life and the woman who became an American icon.
The house features narrow staircases and low ceilings typical of colonial architecture. Museum hours vary by season, so check ahead for visiting times. Photography is permitted in most areas.
Join our Ghosts of Philadelphia Tour to hear the complete story of Betsy Ross's haunting and learn why her spirit may still watch over the home where she created American history.
Where America's seamstress still stitches through eternity
The narrow staircase where Betsy's apparition is most often seen
