"OLD GLORY"

---

This popular phrase was coined in 1831 by Captain Stephen Driver, a shipmaster from 
Salem, Massachusetts. Friends presented him with a wonderful flag with 24 stars. As the 
flag was unfurled in the breeze for the very first time, Cpt. Driver declared, "Old Glory!" 

Cpt. Driver retired to Nashville in 1837, taking his treasured flag with him. By the time the 
Civil War erupted, most everyone in & around Nashville recognized "Old Glory." When 
Tennesee seceded from the Union, Rebels were determined to destroy this flag, but repeated 
searches turned up no trace of the banner. 

On February 25th, 1862, Union forces captured Nashville & raised the American flag over 
the capital. Folks began asking Cpt. Driver if "Old Glory" still existed. Cpt. Driver went home 
& began ripping at the seams of his bedcovers. As the stitches holding the quilt-top to the 
batting unraveled, the onlookers peered inside & saw the original "Old Glory"! 

Captain Driver gently gathered up the flag & returned with the soldiers to the capitol. 
Though he was 60 years old, the Captain climbed up to the tower to replace the smaller 
banner with his beloved flag. The Sixth Ohio Regiment cheered & saluted - & later adopted 
the nickname "Old Glory" as their own, telling & re-telling the story of Cpt. Driver's devotion 
to the flag we honor yet today. 

Cpt. Driver's grave is located in the old Nashville City Cemetery. It is one of  3 places authorized 
by act of Congress where the Flag of the United States may be flown 24 hours a day.