|
 Of
the many known thirteen star patterns that exist, this
particular pattern of twelve stars in a circular or oval
wreath surrounding a single central star is one of the
earliest documented American flag patterns.
A version of the flag was
reportedly carried by William Batchelor of the 3rd
Maryland Regiment at the Battle of Cowpens, on January
17, 1781. The original flag, known as the Batchelor
Flag, is currently held in the Maryland State Archives.
Its attribution as an 18th century flag is uncertain,
but the pattern was known to have been used during the
Revolutionary period based on paintings and drawings
from that time. Regardless of a possible false
attribution, the pattern is still known today as the 3rd
Maryland or Cowpens pattern. It is one of the more
rare patterns of 13 star flags, comprising less than one percent of antique thirteen star flags
that survive.
The rich coloration, exceptional condition and beautiful
precision-placed stars on this flag elevates its beauty
even among other examples of this very rare type.
In addition to its desirable pattern, another particularly rare attribute of this
flag, which allows us to date it precisely to
the year 1904, are the words "St. Louis World's
Fair"
stamped lightly on the hoist. The
St. Louis World's Fair,
also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition,
was the largest international fair held to date
and was also the venue for the 1904 Summer
Olympic Games. Although most thirteen star
flags of this later period were made for
maritime use, this flag is evidence that they
were also made to be used on land. The
flag may have been made by a company showcasing
their manufacturing and wares and sold as a
souvenir, or it may have hung at the World's
Fair on or in one of the exposition buildings or
galleries. Today,
this rare flag remains a stirring expression
of patriotism and an excellent example of how
Americans continually produce and fly historic
flags in later periods to celebrate our nation's
history.
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Examining the actual Batchelor Flag at the
Maryland State Archives (Author pictured) |
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