This signal box design located at the intersection of North Fort Harrison Street and Seminole Street in Clearwater was created through a collaboration between artist Heather Rippert, the Clearwater Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Clearwater Arts Alliance. It was installed to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in July 2026.
Betsy Ross (1752-1836)
upper left, sewing the American flag
Betsy Ross was born on January 1, 1752 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is best known for her association with the creation of the American flag. According to popular legend, she was commissioned by George Washington and members of the Continental Congress to design and sew the first American flag in 1776. This flag featured 13 stripes representing the original colonies and a field of stars.
Ross was a skilled upholsterer and had experience in sewing, which made her a suitable candidate for this task. Her design is believed to have included five-pointed stars instead of the six-pointed stars that were traditionally used at the time.
During the American Revolutionary War, Ross supported the cause by providing supplies to soldiers and working in a munitions factory. After the war, she continued her work in upholstery and became a successful businesswoman.
Betsy Ross passed away on January 30, 1836, but her legacy as a symbol of American patriotism and craftsmanship endures. She is often celebrated as a national heroine and is recognized for her contributions to American history.
Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753-1784)
upper right, writing poetry highlighting the hypocrisy of enslavement
Phillis Wheatley, born around 1753 in West Africa, is recognized as the first published African American female poet. She was captured and sold into slavery at a young age, arriving in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761. The Wheatley family, who purchased her, recognized her intelligence and potential, providing her with an education that was uncommon for enslaved individuals at the time.
Wheatley’s poetry often focused on themes of freedom, religion, and the human experience, reflecting her unique perspective as an enslaved woman. Her first published work, “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," was released in 1773, making her the first African American woman to publish a book. The collection included poems that highlighted the hypocrisy of slavery and called for emancipation and equality.
Wheatley’s work garnered attention from prominent figures, including George Washington, who acknowledged her talent. Despite her literary achievements, she faced significant challenges due to her race and status as a former enslaved person. After gaining her freedom in 1778, Wheatley continued to write but struggled to find consistent support for her work.
She died on December 5, 1784, but her legacy as a pioneering poet and advocate for freedom and equality continues to inspire readers and writers today.
Margaret Cochran Corbin (1751-1800)
lower right, fought in the Battle of Fort Washington
Margaret Cochran Corbin, born in Pennsylvania on November 12, 1751, is notable for her courageous contributions during the American Revolutionary War. She is often recognized as one of the first women to take up arms and fight alongside men in battle.
Corbin’s husband, John Corbin, enlisted in the Continental Army, and she accompanied him to the front lines, helping to support the troops. During the Battle of Fort Washington in November 1776, John was killed, and Margaret took his place at the cannon, firing upon the British forces. Her actions during this battle were heroic, as she displayed remarkable bravery in a combat situation.
After the battle, Margaret was severely wounded, suffering injuries that left her disabled for the rest of her life. Despite her sacrifices, she faced challenges in securing recognition and benefits for her service. In 1779, she was granted a pension by the Continental Congress, acknowledging her contributions as a soldier.
Margaret Cochran Corbin passed away on January 16, 1800, and her legacy has been honored in various ways, including the establishment of a monument in her memory at West Point, New York. She is remembered as a symbol of courage and determination, representing the vital roles women played in the American Revolution.
Sybil Ludington (1761-1839)
lower middle
Sybil Ludington, born on April 5, 1761, in Kent, New York, is celebrated for her heroic ride during the American Revolutionary War, often compared to that of Paul Revere. At just 16 years old, she played a crucial role in warning American forces of a British attack on Danbury, Connecticut, on the night of April 26, 1777.
When she learned that British troops were advancing to burn supplies stored in Danbury, Sybil took it upon herself to alert the local militia. She mounted her father’s horse and rode through the night, covering a distance of approximately 40 miles. Her journey was fraught with danger, as she faced the threat of enemy soldiers and rough terrain, but she remained determined to rally the troops.
Sybil’s ride successfully warned many militia members, leading them to gather and confront the British forces. While her actions were not as widely recognized at the time as those of Paul Revere, her bravery and determination have since been acknowledged, and she is celebrated as a symbol of patriotism and courage.
After the war, Ludington married and lived a quiet life, raising a family. She passed away on February 26, 1839. Sybil Ludington’s legacy endures as an inspiring example of youthful bravery and commitment to the fight for American independence, and she is often referred to as the “female Paul Revere." Her story highlights the important roles women played in the Revolutionary War, even if their contributions were often overlooked in historical narratives.
Mercy Otis Warren (1728-1814)
lower left
Mercy Otis Warren, born on September 14, 1728, in Barnstable, Massachusetts, was a prominent political writer and propagandist during the American Revolutionary War. She is often regarded as one of the first female historians in the United States and played a crucial role in advocating for independence from British rule.
Warren was well-educated for her time, and her intellectual pursuits led her to write plays, poems, and essays that critiqued British policies and promoted the cause of independence. Her most notable work, “History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution," published in 1805, provided a detailed account of the events leading up to and during the Revolution. This work was significant not only for its historical content but also for its perspective as a female author in a male dominated literary landscape.
In addition to her historical writings, Warren was an active participant in the political discourse of her time. She corresponded with influential figures such as John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, sharing her views on government and liberty. Her writings often emphasized the importance of women’s contributions to the political sphere and called for greater rights and recognition for women.
Mercy Otis Warren passed away on October 19, 1814, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering voice for liberty and women’s rights. Her contributions to American literature and history continue to be celebrated today, and she is remembered as the “First Lady of the American Revolution" for her significant role in shaping public opinion and discourse during a critical period in American history.