Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
American Flag c. 1864 |
Object ID Number |
Y907 |
Object Name |
Flag |
Description |
Reproduction America flag circa 1864 with 13 stars. The stars are inset, that is appliquéd on one side and on the other the blue fabric behind each star is cut away and the remainder is hemmed into place. The fabric is English wool bunting with cotton stars. The cotton header has a manila (hemp) rope sewn in. Stars arranged in 4-5-4 pattern , a common variation. The first flag of the United States, the thirteen-star flag, was created on June 14, 1777 with the Congress’ Flag Resolution, "RESOLVED, That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation." This design was superseded in 1795 by the addition of two stars and two stripes. However, as the first flag of the United States, the thirteen-star flag has always been popular and has always been made. Variants of the design are still available from manufacturers today. At certain periods of time it has been quite popular, for example during the Civil War, the Centennial, and the Bicentennial. Certain groups have used it at one time or another to claim allegiance to the founding principals of the country. This flag is an example of the usage of thirteen-star flags during the Civil War from 1861-1865. This flag is likely a US Navy Boat Flag from about 1864. The 1854 Navy Regulations specified a boat flag size of 57"x 96", similar to the current dimensions of the flag examined. These regulations were altered late in 1864, so the flag may have been made as early as 1863. Tagged at hoist. |
Date |
c. 1864 |
Dimensions |
H-61.5 W-98 inches |
Collection |
Flag Collection |
Material |
Wool, Cotton, Hemp |