46-Star American Flag, Celebrating Oklahoma Statehood, circa 1908-1912

This is an original 46-star American parade flag, celebrating Oklahoma statehood. The printed silk flag has a dark blue canton with 46 white stars. The stars are configured in an 8/7/8/8/7/8 row pattern. The flag design is completed with 13 alternating red and white stripes. Oklahoma, the 46th state, entered the Union on November 16, 1907. The 46–star flag was the official flag of the United States from July 4, 1908, until July 4, 1912. 

The land that comprises Oklahoma today was added to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Throughout the 19th century, the U.S. government relocated Indian tribes from the southeastern United States to the area, and by 1900, over 30 Indian tribes had been moved to what was originally called the Indian Territories. At the same time, ranchers in Texas began to move into the area in search of new pasture lands. Although stipulations in the Indian Relocation Act agreed that the land would forever be Indian Territory, the promise of fertile farmland trumped the government’s promise of sovereignty. 

On April 22, 1889, they opened the land to settlement by homesteaders, creating a land run in which settlers, called “Boomers,” were allowed to cross the Texas or Arkansas border at a particular hour to claim homesteads. Settlers who illegally crossed the border earlier to stake prime land were called “sooners,” which eventually became the state’s nickname. Wagons and the Santa Fe railroad carried cartloads of men and women to blank town sites and building plots, creating ten thousand-people communities in a matter of days. The following year, the region was further divided into Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory.

Congress decided to admit Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory into the Union as a single state in 1907. Representatives of both territories drafted a constitution, which was approved by voters of the two territories on September 17, 1907. On November 16, Oklahoma was welcomed into the United States by President Theodore Roosevelt. 

CONDITION:

Very good+ condition. 46 star American flag. Printed silk flag, machine-hemmed in red on top, fly, and hoist end. White stars printed on a dark blue canton. Stars arranged in 6 rows, with a 8/7/8/8/7/8 star configuration. Thirteen red and white stripes complete the design. Fold lines present, with several small splits in the silk along the center vertical fold lines. Fabric is very healthy otherwise, clean and consistent tone throughout. Colors are very vibrant. Flag Dimensions: 10 ¾”  H x 17” W.

Archivally mounted and framed in a custom-built black and gold wooden frame, with acid-free mats, and UV glass. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.