Scarce block-printed 34-star parade American flag (Kansas statehood), 8 x 5.25, cotton fabric with a raw edge, featuring an oval of 18 stars surrounding four rows of stars. Framed. Framed and in fine condition, with very minor fraying and foxing, and slight darkening of the fabric; not examined outside of vintage frame. A scarce and boldly colored example of one of the earliest parade flag designs—an impressive flag representing the surge of patriotism at the dawn of the Civil War.
The 34-star flag became official on July 4, 1861, several months after the secession of southern states from the Union. President Abraham Lincoln refused to recognize the right of those southern states to dissolve their ties with the United States, and when Kansas became a state, Lincoln would not authorize the elimination of any stars when the new 34-star flag was created. On his way to Washington for his inauguration, president-elect Lincoln raised the new flag over Independence Hall on Washington's birthday in a gesture of national unity.
