In the United States the Progressive Era 1890 - 1917, was a period of economic prosperity, political reform and social activism. During this era the U.S. flag underwent several modifications due to the rapid admission of the states of Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona.

From 1890 to 1912 the U.S. flag bore 44 through 48 stars. These rapid changes in the flag, combined with the rise of large flag manufacturers also saw the end of most homemade "vernacular" flags as mass produced flags became more reasonably priced. It also led to the demise of circular, and other unusual star patterns as the stars on the U.S. flags became increasingly standardized. The flags in this Grouping reflect this evolution, as there is only a single example of a triple ring flag bearing 44 stars, and a similar solitary example of a 44 star flag with staggered vertical rows.

Similarly of importance are two 46 star flags, one inscribed W.J. Dodge accompanied by a franked & cancelled post card depicting the Dodge residence in Batchellerville, N.Y. While owners marked many 19th century flags, it is almost unknown to be able associate civilian flags with a specific domicile.

This was a transitional period for the U.S. flag and concludes with several 48 star flag introduced in 1912 with the staggered horizontal rows wherein each row of offset to either the hoist or fly. After 1916 the rows of stars made rectilinear by a U.S. Presidential Executive Order.