Eagle Flags (U.S.)

Indian Peace Flag

image by Steven M. Schroeder, 18 November 2000

"Indian Peace" flag of 1803 - As depicted in the postage stamp. The American government often presented the Stars and Stripes to friendly Indian nations. These "Indian Peace" flags displayed the U.S. Coat of Arms in the canton.
Steven M. Schroeder, 18 November 2000

Deseret Territory

image by Jaume Ollé, 4 November 1996

Utah was settled by Mormons and was made a territory in 1847. Since that time, a beehive has been one symbol (among others) used there. In 1851 the territory, under the name of Deseret, petitioned for admission to the union. They would not outlaw polygamy, and were turned down by Congress. Utah was admitted as a State in 1896. This flag was used apparently in 1851; at any rate, it appears in the Bellerophon Books coloring book entitled "American Flags to Color from Washington to Lincoln," which was authenticated by Whitney Smith.
Dave Martucci, 4 November 1996

U.S. 26 Star "Fremont"

White Canton - Correct Version image by Rick Wyatt, 28 July 2001

Blue Canton - Wrong Version image by Rick Wyatt, 28 July 2001

One unusual variation of the U.S. flag was a 26 star flag carried by western explorer John C. Frémont, who later became the first Republican candidate for President. Between the rows of stars in the canton of his flag was an eagle. The eagle held the usual arrows of war, but the olive branch of peace was replaced by the calumet, or peace pipe. He hoped that this would be accepted by the Indians he met in his travels as a token of his peaceful intentions.

An interesting note is that the original flag, which still exists, has a white canton. The flag most available commercially has the colors in the canton reversed. Another Bunker Hill Blue!

Rick Wyatt, 28 July 2001

During the 1840's it was not yet common for the U.S. Army to carry the official flag. Each was known to have their own regiment banner or garrison flag. This flag was designed and made by the wife of General John Fremont for use during his explorations of the far western parts of the continental United States. This flag can be seen at the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles.
Blas Delgado Ortiz, 30 July 2001

13 Star Eagle Standard (1824)

image by Blas Delgado Ortiz, 10 August 2001