The Evolution of the American Flag

The American flag has had many variations, 27 to be exact. The 13-star flag was adopted on June 14, 1777—later designated as Flag Day— with each star and stripe representing one of the 13 original colonies. This flag would be flown for 18 years, until Vermont and Kentucky were admitted as states in 1791 and 1792, respectively, and two stars were added to represent their statehood. This pattern continued. As 13 states grew to 50, many flags were created to acknowledge the growing nation. It was not until the 21-star flag (the fourth edition) that each new design was adopted on the Fourth of July. California’s statehood brought the 31-star flag in 1851. The U.S. flag as we know it today, with 50 stars and 13 red and white stripes, was adopted on July 4, 1960, during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency. We’re currently in the longest period without a design change on the U.S. flag—65 years!

The Kelley House archive is home to two historic flags, including a 45-star flag made of cotton and used in a schoolroom, it’s exact history unknown. This flag was adopted in 1896 after Utah became a state. The second flag in the Kelley House archive is a 38-star flag, adopted in 1877 after Colorado’s statehood the year before. Made of muslin and one-sided, it was made by Lillian O’Donnell Wilson of Mendocino. It measures 11 by 18 feet. The flag was first flown over the Grand Hotel in Cuffey’s Cove until the mill there closed. Hotel owners Kate and Frank Gorman then bought the Occidental Hotel in Mendocino, and the flag flew on Mendocino’s Main Street for many years. There is a large tear in the top left of the flag, likely caused by the wind. The 38-star flag was in use until 1890, when five new states (North and South Dakota, Montana, Washington, and Idaho) were admitted. The flag made its way to the American Legion Post 758, who donated it to the Kelley House in 1981.

The flag’s history includes a note dated from 1982 that states it was carried by Boy Scout Troop #87 of Mendocino, the local Cub Scouts, and other scouts on the coast under guidance of Scout Master Clint Freeman. While we don’t know exactly when the flag was carried by local scouts, the American Legion states that any official American flag, regardless of the number of stars or stripes, may continue to be used and displayed until the flag is no longer serviceable. This flag has been noted officially as “suitable for carrying, not to be flown.”

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the Kelley House lawn, which offers the best parade viewing spots! Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The museum will not be open to visitors on July 4^th but will return to its normal hours of 11am-3pm on Saturday, July 5^th. Come view the current exhibit: ON TAP: The History of Brewing on the Mendocino Coast, and visit the Kelley House Event Calendar for a Walking Tour schedule.