Printed cotton 42-star flag. Edges unfinished, 1/2 in. fold of fabric at hoist. N.p., circa 1889. Approx. 22 3/4 x 17 3/4 in. 

A 42-star flag, representing a unique confluence of America's westward expansion and flag makers' anticipation of market demand. Featuring a 7-7-7-7-7-7 vertical tilted star pattern. 

In late 1889, there was a flurry of states that were officially entered into the Union: North and South Dakota entered on November 2nd and the 39th & 40th states, Montana entered as the 41st on November 8th, and just three days later, Washington became the 42nd on the 11th. Although all unofficial, flag makers predicted the need for 39 and 40-star flags, which they produced in quantity to anticipate demand. When Washington entered just three days after Montana, flag makers quickly pivoted to 42-star flags. 

[Flags, Patriotic Textiles] [Western Americana, Western History, Western Expansion, Wild West] [Politics] 

Some bleeding, mostly affecting lower stripes. Brown stain to lower left. Minor fraying at edges.