This pattern of a
wreath of 12 stars surrounding a single center star is
known as alternately as the 3rd Maryland Pattern or the
Cowpens Pattern after the Battle of Cowpens, a decisive
battle of the American Revolution of 1781 won by
Brigadier General Daniel Morgan. The star
configuration is seldom found on antique American flags
of the 19th century and this particular example is an
exceptional example of the type. The center star
of the flag is unusually large compared to the twelve
smaller stars that comprise the wreath. Each star
is hand sewn, and the stars in the wreath are not much
larger than a half dollar in size. A stenciled
number 5 on the hoist of the flag indicates the flag's
size, at five feet, which also is unusually small for a
sewn flag of the period. The blue of the canton
has slightly faded and taken on a moderate tinge of
gray. Although the specific history of the flag is
lost, it was found in Decatur, Illinois, and given its
construction and style, with machine sewn stripes and hand sewn
stars, as well as its form, most likely dates to the
period of the American Civil War. The minimalist
pattern and generous space that surrounds the outer
wreath of stars gives the flag a wonderful understated,
simple, and appealing look and feel.
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