The battle is credited with sparking the birth of the US Navy, but there is “considerable debate” about who won, according to researchers from Yorkshire Coast 1779, a group that works to raise awareness of the encounter.
While the US force captured the two British warships, the group has pointed out that the Royal Navy managed to protect the convoy, despite being outnumbered two to one.
James Hodgson, a trustee of the group, said the mural was “fantastic”.
“It is yet another example of a legacy which will hopefully last for many years to come.
“We want people to say, what is that? By asking the question, then hopefully they’ll say, oh, the Battle of Flamborough Head.
“Then they’ll say, well, why is that important? Then they’ll read about it or come to one of our events.”
The mural is the fourth to be completed by Porter in the town. Previous commissions have included a painting of a gansey girl – the traditional name for a girl or young woman from a fishing family – and another depicting the Great Gale of 1871.
The latest artwork was funded by the ambassadors, the town council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, alongside contributions from the owner of Quay Leisure and Coltman.
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