U.S. 23 to 28 Conversion Flag - Fortress Monroe.
This large wool garrison flag is an enigma. The flag has been torn vertically into two irregular pieces making accurate identification difficult. It was previously identified as a flag from the 1837 -1846 period when flags had between 26 and 28 stars; however, there is some fabric missing from the star field, creating the possibility of missing stars.
It might have originally had as few as 23 stars and have been converted to a higher star count. A close examination of the overall star design and the stitching in the seven rows of stars makes it clear that the bottom row of stars and possibly some in the top rows were added after the original manufacture. They are asymmetrical when compared to the stars in the second through fifth rows in the body of the canton
For the above-mentioned reasons, it is likely that this flag was originally a 23 star flag, with a 5-4-5-4-5 starfield, originally dating from1820-1821. It is feasible that the flag was converted to other star counts over time in order to keep the flag current. While the ultimate star count is still theoretical the flag currently possesses 27 complete stars and traces of a 28th star in the top row of the canton, indicating that the tear occurred during its representation as a 28 star flag.
The flag is rent in two, and there is a discoloration or a soiled appearance on the fly portion of the torn pieces, indicating that the flag was flying from a free standing pole when the tear took place. The hoist piece was still attached to the pole while the fly piece fell to the ground becoming soiled, accounting for a darker appearance to the fly remnant. This tear must have been caused by severe weather conditions, probably a hurricane. One such storm struck the fortress in 1845, during a visit from President & Mrs. John Tyler, when the 28 star flag was current. Another similar storm struck on 8 September 1846, also during the tenure of the 28 star flag.
The "Fortress Monroe Flag" was for many years displayed in the historical collections of the Lowell Museum of the Hubbard Free Library of, Hallowell, Maine. During this time it was identified by a paper label inscribed, "Fortress Monroe Flag". It was, during this time thought to be a single flag, and displayed as such, folded, in a break-front cabinet. However, it was eventually discovered that there were in fact two flags folded together. This flag and a 35 star Civil War era garrison flag.
Exhibition History:
Lowell Museum, Hubbard Free Library, Hallowell, Maine, circa 1899 to 1987.
"Fortress Monroe Flag"
Provenance:
• Fortress Monroe, Virginia, 1820s to 1860s.
• Acquired and retained by Union Army Paymaster Major Eliphalet Rowell, as a memento of service until 1899.
• By donation to the Lowell Museum in Hallowell, Maine, until 1987.
• Sold via James D Julia Auction House, Fairfield, ME to sold to John Ockerbloom of Kittery Maine, 2004.
• Sold by John Ockerbloom Kittery Maine via Amoskeag Auction House, of Manchester, N.H, to Zaricor Flag Collection, 2004.
Deaccessed Bonhams Americana Auction - 31 January 2025 - Lot 19
ZFC Significant Flag
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