Thirty-Two Star American Flag.

Item Number: 108020

Rare hand-stitched 32-star American flag produced in 1858 with the distinguishing circular star formation in the canton as originally designed by Betsy Ross. The American flag bearing 32 stars was in use between May 11th 1858, when the state of Minnesota was admitted into the Union, and February 14th 1859 when Oregon was admitted as the 33rd state. The entire flag measures 98 inches by 80 inches and, due to its size and date of production, was likely made for use on the main mast of an American vessel, although it was never put to use. In near fine condition. Exceptionally rare and desirable.

One of the nation's most widely recognized symbols, the flag of the United States of America has been officially modified a total of 26 times since its first appearance in 1777. The flag's initial design, bearing thirteen stars and thirteen stripes, has been credited to several historic figures including naval flag designer Francis Hopkinson, Elizabeth "Betsy" Ross, and flagmaker Rebecca Young. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution which stated: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Tradition holds that the new flag was first hoisted on June 14th, 1777 by the Continental Army at the Middlebrook encampment, the date is now celebrated as Flag Day.