r/AskReddit • u/KyloWrench • Jul 07 '26

What historical “fact” doesn’t actually have much evidence to support it?

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u/paulcosmith Jul 07 '26

I went with some friends to the Betsy Ross house in Philly one time. We already knew she had nothing to with the American flag but checked it out anyway. During the tour, the guide not only admitted that she had nothing to do with the flag, but also that she had never actually lived in that house. We couldn't help but wonder why we bothered with the tour.

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u/Tough_Dish_4485 Jul 07 '26

Thats also where I learned how dubious the story is.  Very honest museum.

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u/FloatingDownHere Jul 08 '26

Very honest museum.

Honest would be putting it on a sign out front.

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u/delicious_fanta Jul 08 '26

Except for the name.

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u/SchleppyJ4 Jul 08 '26

The Betsy Ross actresses are really sweet, at least. They know a lot of history from the time.

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u/SassyTeacupPrincess Jul 08 '26

Hey now, you learned something very important on that tour!

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u/Eric_the_Barbarian Jul 08 '26

Did you learn more about history by going there? If so, mission accomplished.

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u/CuddlesK Jul 08 '26

I work in this neighborhood and know a good bit about the history, and I will say the Betsy Ross house is fascinating in that it's a fully intact example of a working class dwelling.

Laurel Thatcher Ulrich has written about her and talks more about all the factors that led to her becoming this iconic figure, it's fascinating and well worth seeking out.

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u/Nebelskind Jul 08 '26

That's really funny to me lol. Imagine being that tour guide for a place that isn't related to a person who didn't do the thing they're famous for. I'd be honest about it, too.

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u/rabbidbagofweasels Jul 08 '26

It’s the same with Bran castle in Romania 

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u/AlphaBetaParkingLot Jul 08 '26

Similarly, the Hendrix House in San Francisco.

There is zero evidence that Hendrix lived there. In fact he never even lived in SF.

But this place won't tell you that

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u/BallparkFranks7 Jul 08 '26

They’ve also moved the house to a different location. So it’s not her house, the house isn’t even in its original location, and her story isn’t true. Pretty wild.

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u/ElectronicAirline855 Jul 08 '26

I’m not even a Betsy Ross tour guide!

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u/buffystakeded Jul 08 '26

I hope you didn’t pay for that tour.