American Historical Ephemera & Photography

12 1/2 x 20 1/2 in. cotton flag with 38 printed stars configured in the floral star pattern, including an 8-star cluster in each corner, central star, and star between each cluster. Number "40" written in pencil on stripe under canton (small scattered holes, hole near top left corner of canton, some light fraying and wear to edges). Professionally mounted using stitch on board. 

The Territory of Jefferson, which would have been the first state named for a past president, was originally incorporated as a provisional territory in 1859; however a year and a half later Congress abolished the provisional government and created the Colorado Territory.  

After several unsuccessful attempts to gain statehood, in 1865 a state constitution was approved by the voters. During the next ten years, delays were caused by the outbreak of the Civil War, a tarnished image resulting from the Sand Creek massacre, political maneuvering by President Johnson and other Democrats to prevent the addition of a Republican-leaning state. Concerns regarding the make-up of the population of the new territory prevented the passage of federal legislation to bring Colorado into the union. Finally in August 1876, during the centennial celebration, Colorado was admitted as the 38th state and is appropriately nicknamed the Centennial State.

This flag has been exhibited at several museums.