What Is The Oldest All American Tartan?

This was our Featured Question for our July 2020 live show. We do a deep dive on the development of tartans in the United States and those representing aspects OF the United States.
Is there an official American tartan?
Is there a presidential tartan?
How many US states have their own tartans? Why?
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Located in Spring City PA, USA Kilts is a team of American kilt makers who have been making men’s kilts in authentic clan tartans since 2003. We craft a full range of kilts right in our shop, from our budget casual kilt to our traditional machine sewn, hand-finished 8-Yard kilt. We specialize in all aspects of highland wear and Celtic clothing including Scottish, Irish and Welsh kilts and accessories.
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[@knedoshane]

Rocky, when are you going to buckle down and be the first to design the SPACE FORCE TARTAN!!!

[@albertjenkin1146]

I wear McLaren tartan with my Boy Scouting uniforms and Cornish National tartan for regular wear. Proud to be Cornish.

[@caledonianamerican41]

Amen

[@la_old_salt2241]

As someone else noted, the Coast Guard tartan is formally approved by the Commandant of the Coast Guard as the uniform for the Coast Guard Pipe Band. It's listed in the Uniform Regulations last I saw them. But just for the Pipe Band. Otherwise, any Coast Guardsman/woman who's interested can certainly wear it casually off duty. Or anyone else for that matter. I'm a former Auxiliary member. As a point of interest, the US Coast Guard Pipe Band is a chartered charitable organization outside the Coast Guard proper, but it is formally recognized by the Commendant. The members of the band are all Active duty, Reserve, or Auxiliary members. In addition, by the organization bylaws, the Pipe Major must be an Auxiliary member, that individual may not be members of the active or reserve Coast Guard. The Band does have a website also. God bless, Rob

[@caledonianamerican41]

As a Rhode Islander, thanks for saying my state, no one talks about us and it's wicked sad

[@Kandraith]

Those State tartans are cool. I love how VA is like "we're gonna stand out like a sore thumb"

[@briaincampbellmacart6024]

Nine of the thirteen governors at the time of your revolution were Scots. Also, your declaration of independence follows the argument put forward in Buchanan's Treatise on the Limitations of the Powers of the Crown in Scotland line for line. I believe your revolution was very Scottish. In fact it happened in Scotland first. When the Stuart Kings said we are going to rule you by divine right and that you will have no say in your own governance (ie, make you slaves) much of Scotland up rose. When the same message was given to the same people in the Carolinas (we will tax you and govern you and you will have no say in your own governance (and so make you slaves) the same people up rose. It might be argued that you actually had a legal right to rebellion which is rooted in Scottish history. The Declaration of the Clergy (1310) states that the people have the right to choose their own King - and by extension President - and the Declaration of Arbroath (1320) makes the case that if the King betrays the right of the people to be free (and making them slaves is betraying that right) then the people have the right to oust him and to replace him with another ( and by extension with a President). So essentially Scots in America (and Scots Irish) had the right to rebel on the authority of Robert the Bruce. The King is also the King of Scots (not just Scotland) and so it doesnt matter where Scots are (Ireland or America) under said conditions they have the right to rebel . I think it's more than okay for you to wear tartan.

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

aye,the revolution managed to also show,the cultural diversity of the USA from early on.

[@amim4701]

❤

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

@@amim4701 why the heart?

[@briaincampbellmacart6024]

@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 Some Irish and Scots are culturally diverse.

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

@@briaincampbellmacart6024 yeah,but i´m not disputing that claim,for sure.

[@ln2559]

Omg! Our Pennsylvania tartan is BEAUTIFUL! 🥰🥰🥰

[@CMac503]

Oregon has an official state tartan. Notes: The official State of Oregon tartan. Designed in 2002 by Robert Harding of Oregon Highland Services Llc. Tartan adopted at the 72nd Oregon Legislative Assembly, Senate Joint Resolution 31 plus letter from State Governor Theodore R Kulongoski dated April 12th 2003. Sample in STA Collection. Blue is from the Oregon flag and its rivers and ocean. Gold is also from the flag and represents the various agricultural regions. White is for the snow-cvapped mountains. Taupe (light brown) is for the high desert and grasslands. Azure is for the streams, creeks, wetlands, shallow lakes and the wide sweep of the oregon skies. Black represents the obsidian buttes (hills of volcanic glass).

[@petergrossett6763]

America has great tartans, respect!

[@dillonfelts4020]

My great kilt is in the California state tartan! I just liked the colors, plus it's where I was born.

[@tampazeke4587]

I'm so glad that you mentioned that the American Bicentennial tartan is now called the American St. Andrew's Society tartan. I've had a beautiful AB tartan kilt for years that I've been trying to purchase a matching fly plaid for. Looking for AB has turned up nothing. Now I know why. I'll be looking for the ASAS tartan fly plaid instead. The way that the blue and red are woven together makes it look like it has a lot of purple in it.

[@Beardychiel]

Really interesting to watch. Thanks

[@deborahraney9224]

This is awesome! I started looking into kilts for my boys since we have some Scottish and Irish on both sides of the family. I'm going to Scotland for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this summer (I never knew the US Military had their own tartans. My son is in the US Coast Guard Band, they will be a part of the show this year, and it would be cool if they wear those kilts! But I believe the men in your photo are part of a special band affiliated with the USCG and not members of the actual USCG Band, so I may be out of luck.) Thank you for posting these videos, they're very informative!

[@chainsawteddybear]

Really glad you 2 exist, love how enthusiastic yall are about the craft!

[@benjamingrist6539]

In regards to your comments towards the end of the video, one study found that, when compared to your average person, people who are fiercely proud of their own culture are much more accepting of other cultures.

[@azurephoenix9546]

of course. we don't want their culture to die anymore than we want our own to die, so generally speaking we're quite supportive of each other.

[@prezac7]

US Coast Guard Tartan does have the official OK from the USCG.

[@RufusTheRed]

rocky lol that editing, gold.

[@pipsheppard6747]

Funniest "official" correction I've ever seen. Good for you, Rocky.

[@BlueManIan]

I love Colorado's tartan! I had a few face masks made in it and hope to get a kilt made with it someday.

[@davelaney2620]

I was stationed at RAF Edzell in the early 80’s. Would love to wear that Tartan

[@vmiarmor8342]

The Virginia Military Institute has a recognized tartan. It is official and was recognized in 2002 or 2003.

[@pieshka4509]

Recently saw the Maryland tartan and can see the state flag in the colors, and naturally want a kilt made with it since Marylanders put the state flag on everything

[@matthewfox7000]

You were missing the Arizona tartan in that list. It is official. designated the official state tartan of Arizona in 1995 (by proclamation of Governor John Fife Symington. It was a Dr. Smith design as well.

[@wahoomankiller1472]

I'm Sipsie Equoni Geyvi Tsalagi Clan, mixed heritage.

[@tampazeke4587]

It's nice to see my Sutherland tartan on the books over Eric's right shoulder. Too bad USA Kilts no longer carries that tartan in the casual velcro kilt.

[@jgary7027]

There's a West Point (U.S. Military Academy) tartan that LL Bean based a shirt on that also ran afoul of the copyright. It really is a shame that these are copyrighted because there's no place I've found that sells it beyond a couple small items from the alumni association.

[@timothycampbell495]

Hi guys! Can the Oklahoma State Seal tartan be had in PV or is it only woven in wool?

[@drarbo1]

Actually, the tartan you show as US Air Force tartan is the US Air Force Reserve or US Air Force Reserve Pipe Band tartan. Sportkilt makes one but got the stripes mixed up. Argued with them for a while about that. They still don't get it. The last active duty US Air Force Pipe Band, the one that marched in Kennedy's funeral procession, wore the Billy Mitchell tartan with a blue doublet and matching arglye hose. That was the last US active duty pipe band. To my knowledge there is no "USAF" tartan, so to speak.

[@drarbo1]

I stand sorta corrected by myself. There is a US 2001 Air Force tartan I've never seen before. Not sure what that is.

[@iand5369]

Hi Preacher Jim. If you wanted to stick with a Miljtary theme then that region of your ancestors is akin to the Seaforth Highlanders and Cameron Highlanders. The Seaforths wore MacKenzie Tartan and the Cameron Highlanders of course wore Cameron Tartan, the combined Regiment in its own right had its own Tartan. Sadly the Regiment in its own right no longer exists today due to Military cutbacks and the Seaforths were amalgamated with the Gordon Highlanders to form one Regiment to this day, The Highlanders.

[@Pef273]

Where is the best place to see the variety of public domain tartans?

[@chrismarcus9371]

Is the USAF Tartan officially endorsed? last I knew it was the air national guard band based at Dobbins.

[@bobbieschke599]

Do you carry the burnt orange kilt of Ireland ?

[@MokuNui808]

Is there a tartan for hawaii?

[@MarcelGomesPan]

I have been thinking of getting a kilt in the Swedish national tartan. I have also been asked to design a tartan for my lodge.

[@larrym.johnson9219]

That's Great, do you have a support team.

[@MarcelGomesPan]

@@larrym.johnson9219 No not really. I’m still at the stage of economy and practicality.That is, will enough members be interested in products with the tartan? Will they want kilts etc to be made or just have the tartan as a design for stationary and other less costly things? Restrictions: Will the tartan be open only to the local lodge, to any member of the order or to anyone who likes it? As it is now the whole Corona thing prevents me from meeting with the lodge to discuss details.We also changed master right before this and the new one might not be as interested as the previous one?

[@jamesthansen.1499]

Where would be a place where I could I get an Idaho Tartan kilt, that isn't super spendy?

[@pijnto]

Are these Tartans registered with the Sottish register of tartans

[@larrym.johnson9219]

What about the West Virginia tartan! By the way if you know of it. Do you know who makes it?

[@nolawalter6273]

Registry says Coast Guard with NO mention of the band

[@thomaspatton4401]

Why does No one make a royal blue (Jackabite blue) Balmoral bonnet? I would seriously like to buy at least two of these "Jackalope" status Bonnets. I would prefer the Balmoral style with the matching turee and side patch for the cockade, Clan Badge and Plant badge.

[@PreacherJimC]

Greetings, I did my ancestry dna and discovered I’m 74% Scottish. The description says Ross & Cromarty. Can you point me in the right direction for a Tartan? I also served in the Navy as a Military Police officer and currently am a Pastor. Thanks for the suggestions.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Hi Jim, You have a lot of options! Ross has several variants, and there's no reason you can't also enjoy the Navy tartan, Law Enforcement tartan, Army tartan or Clergy. Many of those are available in PV and wool - good for the budget. If you want to poke around at these and also do some name searches, check out the Search function on our site - www.usakilts.com/galleries

[@HurricaneHektor]

Is there a Tartan for Korean/Scots? If there is, I want one!!!! :D

[@willnot5687]

Germanic kilts?

[@jarrythskeen8336]

Very funny correction. Do you have a question for you gentlemen. What is The Tartan that is got the yellow on the viewers left side of your screen? Very interesting colors I like it.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Buchanan Ancient: www.usakilts.com/gallery/13-16-oz-wool/buchanan-ancient-4640

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

@@USAKiltsOfficial man,i would love to have a bookcase,full of tartans like that in my home,or something,looks aesthetically pleasing,though i agree with you,on that horribly made Afghan isle of Skye tartan,it hurts my astethic pleasure so much.

[@petergrossett6763]

It look very similar to McMillan muted, or ancient, tartan, of which I have an 8 yard wool kilt, which draws compliments, but isn't liked by all.

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

@@petergrossett6763 of course,people don't usually like things that are not aesthetically pleasing.

[@petergrossett6763]

@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 some people like McMillan muted, some don't. Freedom of choice, and opinion. My favourate colour may well differ from yours, surely.

[@claytonalexander7358]

Let's not forget the US Marine Corps Tarten

[@mechellturner3915]

NC is official. DAR is a single source but it is official only by one mill in Scotland.

[@antoniojose8606]

Esses tecidos tecidos devem ser caros !

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Thank you Maximiliano - yes, we buy the cloth from Scotland, and make the kilts in our workshop near Philadelphia. Some of the cloth is expensive, but it lasts a long time. :)

[@Luv2tickt]

As a season ticket holder for the Milwaukee Brewers, and general fanatic when it comes to baseball, I would dig a Brewers tartan (©has entered the chat) to wear at games. However, given that the Brewers has the worst rep in the league for obnoxious drunk fans, it would probably be just asking for a lot of unwelcome kilt-lifters. Would still be cool, however!

[@dougcampbell7898]

During the Civil War a New York regiment wore kilts I don't know the tartan.

[@jackalnerf6230]

Yeah as a Texan I can't get a kilt in my state tartan which- mmmmm

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

looks suspicious,might get pissed or sue,don't know

[@GreenmanDave]

You can get Texas Bluebonnet, but you likely have to go through Thistles & Bluebonnets in Salado. However, according to what I'm finding, the designer of the tartan and proprietor of Thistles & Bluebonnets passed away in 1999 and I'm not finding any listing for the store anywhere. The copyright may likely have lapsed.

[@nolawalter6273]

Tulsa city tartan one of the oldest

[@GreenmanDave]

Here's a twopic: Rhode Island is neither a road nor an island. Discuss.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

I (Rocky) used to have a shirt that had a map of Rhode Island and said "Rhode Island Is Not An Island". :-) Rhode Island's official name includes "Providence Plantations" after the name of a settlement founded in 1636 by Roger Williams that now includes the state's capital city, according to the state government's website. Providence Plantation was the first permanent European American settlement in Rhode Island. It was established by a group of colonists led by Roger Williams who left Massachusetts Bay Colony in order to establish a colony with greater religious freedom.

[@deeblack9393]

My grandmother on my father's side fought the DAR to allow descendants of those loyal to the British to participate in the activities. Before her it was only the descendants of colonials.

[@lauriediego1887]

@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 Daughters of the American Revolution

[@deeblack9393]

@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 Daughters of the American Revolution.

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

i sometimes wonder,if Rocky feels comfortable wearing that kilt belt with that big belly.🤔

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

feels just fine. :-)

[@staghornthedruid957]

yuck, the coast guard tartan is yucky. It should be Orange, White, and Blue. But yes, only the Band can wear the tartan.

[@tineditmarunnerup9513]

Wouldn't this be considered cultural appropriation today?

[@bigawdays5724]

America dosnt have tartans