Setting Betsy Ross lived in Philadelphia on Arch street. The house was 3 1/2 floors high and had 6 rooms plus an attic. Two years after Betsy moved in with her husband John Ross the war came to Philadelphia in 1776. Betsy was a patriot but most of the town was still loyal to the king. During the war fabrics needed for business were becoming hard to come by. Business was slow. John ended up joined the militia and was killed in an explosion while guarding ammunition. It was later in early June when Betsy attended a meeting with George Washington, George Ross, and Robert Morris which led to the sewing of the first flag of the United States.