The term Old Glory is said to have been originated by an old
sailor—Stephen Driver.
While upon the seas he performed an act of bravery for which he was
rewarded by the gift of an American flag, whereupon he pledged its
givers to always defend it faithfully.
At the outbreak of the civil war he was living in Nashville, Tenn.
In order to keep the flag safely he concealed it in a bed-quilt under
which he slept. To the enemies of the Union he declared that Old Glory
would yet float from the staff of the Tennessee state house, and sure
enough when Nashville fell into the hands of Gen. Buell he secured the
flag from its hiding place and hoisted it to a more fitting position on
the state house—thus his nick-name for it became popular.