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35 Star Flag - (1863-1865) (U.S.)

image by Clay Moss, 12 February 2007

Description of the flag
Jack
Variations of the flag

See also:

Description of the flag

In 1863, one star was added, representing West Virginia, bringing the total number of stars to 35. There were thirteen stripes representing the thirteen original colonies.
Rick Wyatt, 5 April 1998

This flag flew from 4 July, 1863, to 3 July, 1865.
Clay Moss, 12 February 2007

Jack

image by Clay Moss, 12 February 2007

Variations of the flag

image located by William Garrison, 20 February 2025

This 35-star flag is different in that it has a star arrangement of 6/6/5/6/6/6 instead of the usual 7/7/7/7/7. This 35-star is believed to be a small Tiffany flag remnant. It is an extremely rare silk flag remnant with silk thread hand-sewn gold embroidered stars, and hand-sewn stripes. The remnant of the canton measures 5" x 5" and overall size is 6.5" x 5". The stars are gold in color and were built up in a crystal pattern of five conjoined lozenges. This is also seen in "The Stars and the Stripes" by Boleslaw Mastai, page 206.

William Garrison, 20 February 2025

image located by William Garrison, 28 September 2025

A 35-star flag with concentric circles. This framed flag measures 97" x 68" with the white stars in the Canton being completely hand sewn. This flag is attributed to the J.W. Loane Company of Baltimore MD. An identical flag hangs in the lobby if the present date J.W. Loane Company.

William Garrison, 28 September 2025

image located by William Garrison, 23 April 2026
Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vintageflags

A "Great S.E. Star" variation of a U.S. 35-star flag.

William Garrison, 23 April 2026

image located by William Garrison, 30 April 2026
Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo

A 35-star flag with an "oval star constellation" canton.

William Garrison, 30 April 2026

Return of the Pennsylvania Colors variant

image located by William Garrison, 30 May 2026

Source: https://historical.ha.com

Caption: from catalogue: "A printed 35-star American flag, measuring approximately 10-1/2" x 12", notable for its highly unusual and symbolically rich design. The canton is occupied not by a traditional arrangement of stars, but by the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, encircled by a perimeter of 35 stars. The stripes bear the inscription "July 4th 1866," imparting a clear commemorative purpose and linking the textile directly to a specific and important post-war event. The substitution of Pennsylvania's coat of arms for the conventional star field reflects a Civil War-era practice in which Pennsylvania regiments carried flags modeled on the Stars and Stripes but incorporated the state arms within the canton, emphasizing state identity alongside national allegiance. The arms themselves, featuring a shield with ship, plow, and sheaves of wheat supported by horses and surmounted by an eagle, symbolize commerce, agriculture, and strength, reinforcing the Commonwealth's identity during the conflict. The date inscribed across the stripes corresponds to the grand "Return of the Colors" ceremony held in Philadelphia on Independence Day in 1866. This major civic and military event marked the formal presentation of regimental battle flags back to the state following the conclusion of the Civil War. Organized on a large scale and attended by veterans, dignitaries, and the public, the ceremony at Independence Square celebrated both Union victory and the service of Pennsylvania troops. Contemporary accounts describe the widespread presence of souvenir flags carried by participants and spectators, often incorporating the Pennsylvania coat of arms in the canton and the date of the event across the stripes, closely paralleling the format seen here."

William Garrison, 30 May 2026

Flush Margins variant

image located by William Garrison, 30 May 2026

Source: https://historical.ha.com

Caption: from catalogue: "A 35-star American flag, approximately 37 1/8" x 56", representing West Virginia's admission as the 35th state in 1863 during the Civil War, with stars arranged in a linear 7/7/7/7/7 configuration. Entirely hand-sewn, the flag is constructed of wool bunting, with cotton stars that are single-appliquéd in the "peek-a-boo" technique, allowing them to be viewed on both sides."

William Garrison, 30 May 2026

Scattered Stars variant

image located by William Garrison, 30 May 2026

Source: https://historical.ha.com/

Caption: from catalogue: "A 35-star American flag, printed on cotton and measuring approximately 18-7/8" x 33". The canton features a highly unusual and visually dynamic arrangement of stars, scattered in an irregular, seemingly random pattern across the blue field, evoking the appearance of stars in the night sky. A single, larger star anchors the composition near the center, around which the smaller stars are loosely dispersed, creating a striking and unconventional presentation unlike the more commonly encountered linear or medallion configurations."

William Garrison, 30 May 2026