U.S. 36-Star Parade Flag.
Small printed parade flag like this small, printed cotton gauze example were extremely popular during the American Civil War. Usually waved at parades, rallies and sanitary fairs, they were widely used by civilians to demonstrate support for the war effort.
The 36-star US flags became official on 4 July 1865. However, entrepreneurs made them available as soon as statehood for Nevada loomed on the national horizon in 1863. Thirty six-star flags, like this example, were widely available in April of 1865 to celebrate Lee's surrender at Appomattox and again later to mourn the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln - two of the most significant events in United States history.
The 6 x 6 rectilinear pattern was by far and away the most popular star field for use on the 36-star flags, which would remain current until the admission of Nebraska in 1867.
Provenance: This flag was acquired at Cowan's auction in Cincinnati, Ohio in the 1990s.
ZFC Noteworthy Flag
Item is Framed
Sources:
36 Star Flag - (1865-1867) (U.S.), Flags of the World, 22 April 2012, from: http://flagspot.net/flags/us-1865.html
The Many Constellations of Old Glory, Historical Flags of Our Ancestors! 22 April 2012, from: http://www.loeser.us/flags/us_flags.html
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
