This flag we honor and serve is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose of our nation. Woodrow Wilson
Contrary to popular legend the first United States flag was not designed by widowed Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross. The design evolved over time from colonial days to the Revolutionary War. In 1775 the flag most closely resembled the Sons of Liberty banner, whose 13 stripes - 7 red, 6 white - represented the 13 original colonies. June 4, 1777 the Continental Congress formally adopted a modified version of this flag, resolving that "The flag of the United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white, the Union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation." The heraldic English colors red, white and blue symbolize courage, liberty and loyalty. The star symbol was based on an ancient Egyptian sign for sovereignty and dominion.
Early flag makers arranged the stars into wreaths, arcs, ovals, lines, or randomly across the blue field. Some designed elaborate starbursts. Others created 5-point stars, which eventually prevailed. During 19th century expansion territories joined the Union almost every year. In 1818 5 states were admitted. Anticipating future additions to the Union, practical flag makers left gaps on the blue field for new stars. States join the Union officially the following July 4 after admission.
The first 150 years' flag production had vague legal guidelines for graphic application of the "Stripes and Stars," the original vernacular term for the flag. Americans freely and proudly displayed the Stripes and Stars on common objects ranging from embroidered blankets to lapel pins. This creative diversity provoked demand for flag design standards, first adopted in 1912. In 1934 lawmakers specified exact colors. In 1942 Congress adopted an official code of flag etiquette. Flag motifs despite legal restrictions still proliferate, resulting in a rich visual history of a true American icon.
Quilting in the United States began in the colonies when immigrants practiced skills learned in Europe. By the early 1880s varied cotton materials were readily available. By the late 1880s quilting developed into an art form. In the 1870s government trading posts were established on Indian reservations, increasing opportunities for Native Americans to trade with others. Flag imagery was used to appeal to customers. Uncle Sam debuted during the 1812 War. Thomas Nast standardized today's form during the Civil War. The flag was copied onto cigarette silks, cigar flannels and package premiums in order to increase sales. Avid collectors sought entire series. In the early 20th century stamp art cards were manufactured in Asia. World War I soldiers sent embroidered cards home from Europe. Wavy postal cancellation lines are an abbreviation of the flag used around 1900.
BEAR FLAG REVOLT
CALIFORNIA'S STATE FLAG, BORN IN REVOLT
At any given moment somewhere in California someone loudly argues their piece of paradise would be better off without the rest of the state. Secession is a seductive idea but a messy business. California was a republic, sort of, June 10 - July 9, 1846. Before June 10 the region belonged to Mexico. 24 Californians, American immigrants, wanted a Texas-style revolt. The Bear Flag Revolt was named after a banner designed by William Todd (a nephew of Mary Todd Lincoln) who drew a star in the left corner of a piece of unbleached cotton, drew a grizzly bear in blackberry juice, printed the words California Republic in black and added a strip of red flannel at the bottom. The banner is still California's state flag.
Time seemed right for revolution. The United States, deep into manifest destiny, had designs on its western neighbor. Skirmishes over territory along its southern border with Mexico had already occurred. War was threatening. England and France, American leaders believed, wanting California must be beaten to the prize. Mexico had trouble governing its northernmost province, settled by Americans. Enter John C Fremont, nicknamed the Pathfinder for his explorations of the West. Anything less than revolution would be disappointing. Fremont enjoyed fame due to popular Senate "reports" co-written by his talented wife Jessie Benton Fremont, more romantic than anything the federal government issued since. May 30, 1846 after receiving secret letters from his powerful Missouri senator father-in-law Fremont left off exploring Oregon, returning to California to aid the Bear Flag revolutionaries stirred to action partly by the belief California's military commander Col Jose Castro would soon throw them out.
June 10, 1846 the Bears intercepted a Mexican lieutenant taking fresh horses to Castro. 4 days later they took Col Mariano G Vallejo, his brother and brother-in-law prisoner in Sonoma and flew their Bear Flag over the small town. Vallejo was not on active duty at the time and had no troops in Sonoma. He advocated attaching California to the United States. Nevertheless the next day the Bears issued a proclamation declaring California a republic. Castro mounted an unsuccessful counterattack. Both sides accused each other of atrocities. Little did they know the United States had declared war on Mexico over a month before their revolution. When the news reached California in July, Bears signed up with the Americans and gave up the republic. California became the 31st state Sept 9, 1850. The words California Republic remain on California's state flag, giving hope to modern-day revolutionaries.
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