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United States Flag

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Sarah Walker Adams (American, born 1836)

Date1865-1867

MediumMachine-stitched; plain woven wool and cotton, twill woven cotton header, brass

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 48 x 68in. (121.9 x 172.7cm) Other (canton height x width): 25 x 32in. (63.5 x 81.3cm)

ClassificationsTextiles

Credit LineGift of Annetta Eddy Brigham.

Object number2001.49.19

DescriptionAmerican flag consisting of 36 stars and 13 red and white stripes. The 13 alternating horizontal red and white stripes are sewn together and begin with a red stripe at the top and end with a red stripe at the bottom with the canton resting on a white stripe. The canton is two pieces of blue wool sewn together horizontally in the center and containing 36 double appliquéd white cotton stars. The stars are arranged in six rows of six with the orientation of the points of the stars being up. The header is machine-stitched to the hoist end of the flag and contains a brass grommet at the top and bottom. The original wool of the bottom edge of the flag is a selvage edge while repairs done to the bottom of the flag now have a hem to the reverse side of the flag. The material original to the fly end of the flag is hemmed to the front side of the flag while the material used for repairs is hemmed to the reverse side of the flag. The top of the canton is a selvage while the top of the stripe is a hem to the front side of the flag. Printed in the upper corner of the front side of the header and now very faded is "S.W. Adam" in ink.

NotesHistorical Note: According to dates of statehood, a 36-star flag would have been officially in use from 4 July 1865 until 4 July 1868 (marking the admission of the 36th state, Nevada, on 31 October 1864, and the 37th state, Nebraska, on 1 March 1867). This dating contradicts the statement written, evidently by Sarah Walker Adam, on a paper tag preserved with the flag, that she had flown the flag to mark Union victories during the Civil War. (Schoelwer 3/22/2002)

Status

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