45-Star American Printed Parade Flag, 1896-1907

This 45-star United States flag celebrates the statehood of Utah. 45-star flags served as the official American flag from 1896-1908. This particular flag was flown as a parade flag, with part of its original stick still attached along the hoist. The stars on the flag’s bright blue canton are arranged in six rows of alternating eight and seven stars. Thirteen red and white stripes complete the flag design. 

Utah became the 45th state in 1896 after attempting to gain statehood for many years. Utah's statehood was delayed primarily due to the fact that the Mormon Church and Utah authorities continued to be openly tolerant of polygamy. In 1890, Mormon Church President Wilford Woodruff published a manifesto that denounced the contract of “any marriages forbidden by the law of the land”. This gave way to Utah’s acceptance into the Union. The 45 star flag was generally used from that year until 1907, when Oklahoma joined the Union. Due to the 1898 Spanish-American War and Teddy Roosevelt’s famous world tour of the “White Fleet,” launched in 1907, this was an extremely patriotic period in our Nation’s history.

CONDITION:

Good condition. Printed color, with red and blue still very vibrant. Light surface stains throughout, more noticeable on white stripes. Numerous creases due to past storage. Attached along the hoist to the original wooden stick. Stick has been cut down along the bottom to fit into the frame. Flag measures 13” H x 22 3/4” W. 

Flag has been artfully framed, presented on an archival mount with black linen mats, a custom gold-leaf plaque, UV Conservation glass, and a custom-built black and gold wooden frame.