United States/40 Stars/North & South Dakota
On November 2nd, 1889, North and South Dakota became the 39th and 40th states to be admitted to the Union. On November 8th, however, Montana territory was admitted as the 41st state, and three days later, Washington territory was admitted as the 42nd state. However, technically none of these states were to be recognized on the United States flag until July 4th of 1890. One day prior to the 4th of July 1890, Idaho became the 43rd state. While 39, 40, 41, and 42 star flags were technically not recognized, in the intervals between the admissions of these states, many people (usually in the areas affected) made their own flags to represent their new found statehood. This noteworthy flag is such an example, probably made in one of the Dakotas in 1889-1890.
The field of this flag consists of thirteen alternating red and white horizontal cotton stripes, sewn by machine and commencing and ending with red. A strip of white cotton, 1.5 inches wide is sewn along the fly edge vertically to reinforce the flying end of the flag. Inset into the upper, hoist corner, extending from the top through the seventh stripe from the top, is a blue cotton canton, 23 inches wide on the fly by 23 inches high on the hoist. The canton bears a total of forty, white, cotton, 5-pointed stars, each (???) across their points. The stars are appliqued by hand to each side of the canton, with a center star surrounded by an inner ring of seven stars, surrounded by a double square of stars, the outermost with twenty stars, and the inner square with twelve stars. A 3/8 inch wide cotton heading along the hoist edge of the flag supported nine light metal rings (two of which are missing) for a cord that interweaves from ring to staff to ring.
Acquired from Superior Court Judge John T. Ball, of Santa Clara County, California.
ZFC Noteworthy Flag
Item is Framed
