Porterville, CA - The City of Porterville is proud to announce the installation of several historical United States flags along Main Street as part of the City’s America 250 Celebration, honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The display, which began on November 6, 2025, will remain through November 2026, marking a year-long tribute to the nation’s enduring spirit and history.
The theme for celebrating Porterville’s 100th anniversary alongside America’s 250th is “Bringing American History to Life.” The Porterville Heritage Committee has been meeting throughout the year to identify meaningful ways to celebrate both local and national heritage. Last month, the City unveiled its new Porterville logo featuring the iconic farmer, symbolizing the community’s deep agricultural roots. The logo now appears on all City vehicles and facilities as the America 250 celebrations continue.
With Main Street improvements now complete, including new paving, fresh striping, and painted light poles, downtown Porterville is ready to host the 107th Annual Veterans Day Parade. Traditional United States flags once again line the corridor, joined by seven historical U.S. flags that honor key moments in America’s founding and early growth. Together, these displays create a vibrant and patriotic backdrop for the City’s revitalized downtown.
“The addition of these flags is an extension of the Bells Across America celebration of Constitution Day held each September,” said Vice Mayor Ed McKervey, who serves on the Heritage Committee. “Teaching the next generation about American history through these flags is both fun and educational. It brings history to life while enhancing our downtown for the 250th birthday of our country.”
The national America 250 celebrations began in April 2025, marking 250 years since the start of the American Revolution. On April 18, 1775, Dr. Joseph Warren learned of British troops marching to Concord, Massachusetts, and dispatched William Dawes and Paul Revere to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock. The following day, the first shots of the Revolution were fired, remembered as “the shot heard round the world.”
In Porterville, this history came alive during the 62nd Annual Jackass Mail Run on April 19, 2025, when riders set off from City Hall under the leadership of Wagonmaster Manuel Fernandes. Reenactors fired celebratory volleys down Main Street as the mail run made its way toward Springville, symbolically echoing the “shots heard round the world.” The event brought national history to life in the heart of downtown Porterville, merging local tradition with America’s 250th anniversary.
Porterville’s connection to early American life continued through the Pioneer Days, where families, students, and community members participated in historical demonstrations and performances that highlighted the spirit of westward expansion. Both events reflected the City’s commitment to celebrating local history and fostering a shared sense of community pride.
Throughout the year, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have been sharing weekly articles in The Porterville Recorder highlighting America’s early history. In partnership with the Porterville Historical Museum, DAR and the City are offering guided walking tours of the new historical flag display. Museum volunteers will share the stories, symbolism, and historical context behind each flag, giving residents and visitors a deeper appreciation for America’s journey toward independence and nationhood.
The Heritage Committee, in partnership with the Porterville Historical Museum and the Alta Mira Chapter of DAR, is also planning the installation of a 250th Marker at Veterans Park in Spring 2026. Porterville was selected to represent Tulare County in this national initiative and has been recognized by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors for its leadership. The marker dedication ceremony is anticipated for March 2026.
The Seven Historical Flags currently featured on Main Street include:
- Liberty Tree Flag (1775) – Featuring a New England pine tree and the motto “An Appeal to Heaven,” this flag was flown by Massachusetts naval vessels during the Revolutionary War and became a powerful emblem of colonial unity and resistance.
- First Navy Jack (1775) – Known for its 13 red and white stripes and the phrase “Don’t Tread on Me,” this flag has long symbolized the resolve and independence of the early American Navy.
- 31-Star Flag (1851) – Introduced following California’s admission to the Union as the 31st state in 1850, this flag became official on July 4, 1851, representing a growing and united nation.
- Bennington Flag (1777) – Featuring a bold “76” in the canton and seven-pointed stars, this flag is traditionally linked to the Battle of Bennington, though historians believe it was likely created later to commemorate America’s early struggles for independence.
- Lewis and Clark Expedition “Indian Peace Flag” (1803) – Carried by the Corps of Discovery and presented to Indigenous leaders, these “peace flags” symbolized friendship and goodwill as the young nation expanded westward.
- 15-Star, 15-Stripe Flag (1795) – Official from 1795 to 1818, this flag added stars and stripes for Vermont and Kentucky and later inspired the “Star-Spangled Banner” after flying over Fort McHenry in 1814.
- Betsy Ross Flag (1776) – The legendary early flag featuring thirteen stars arranged in a circle to represent the original colonies—an enduring symbol of unity and the American Revolution.
“The Heritage Committee has created a remarkable display that celebrates both our nation’s and our community’s enduring history,” said Mayor Greg Meister. “As we join cities across the country in recognizing America’s 250th anniversary, Porterville is proud to showcase these flags as symbols of unity, courage, and the enduring pursuit of freedom.”
As Porterville celebrates its 100th year as a Charter City, the City will continue working with schools, businesses, and community organizations to bring history to life through art, education, and civic pride. Local students will paint fire hydrants and murals celebrating Porterville’s history, while the Museum will host exhibits and walking tours highlighting the City’s role in California and American history.
The America 250 Celebration is a nationwide initiative recognizing the Semiquincentennial of the United States, culminating on July 4, 2026. Porterville’s year-long celebration will include community events, educational programs, and projects that honor both the nation’s and the city’s shared heritage.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit Downtown Porterville’s Main Street to view the flags and participate in one of the upcoming tours celebrating this milestone in American history.
Porterville, lying along the foothills of the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountain range, is located on State Route 65, 165 miles north of Los Angeles. The city has a strategic central location to major markets and ready access to major transportation routes. Centrally located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Porterville is situated on the eastern edge of California's San Joaquin Valley, just 17 miles off State Route 99, a primary north-south transportation route. The city is approximately an hour from Fresno and Bakersfield and is a bustling city of over 62,000, serving as a trade center to over 100,000 people. Porterville serves as the gateway to the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, and is home to The Mighty 190, a local tourism collaboration that promotes countless outdoor adventures and natural amenities located along State Route 190 in southeastern Tulare County between Porterville and the Trail of 100 Giants. To learn more, please visit www.ci.porterville.ca.us or www.themighty190.com. Questions? Please contact yvelarde@ci.porterville.ca.us.
