Reclaimed Barnwood Lincoln Funeral Train Flag
$530.00
Weathered and pitted with history, the reclaimed wood of the the disappearing Midwest barn is both the inspiration and the canvas for Marie Roth’s hand-painted tributes to Old Glory. Each American flag comes with a short bio of the barn where the wood originated and story of the flag’s design. From the Betsy Ross to the 50 star, each flag is truly a unique embodiment of history.
40L x 26H
Flag Information: Flags with the stars arranged in a star are known as Great Luminary flags. The design was always popular but found particular prominence before and during the Civil War. The design was thought to evoke the national motto (at that time) E Pluribus Unum — Out of Many, One. The 35 star flag was the official flag of the US when Lincoln was assassinated. Nevada became the 36th state in October of 1864 but the official flag (by law) was to remain unfurled until July 4, 1865. The addition of the stars to the flag – states to the Union- was central to Lincoln’s vision of the United States. Free men would be paid for their work and would move westward at a time of Manifest Destiny, expanding the economy and America’s place in the world.
To many, the 36-star flag was the greatest symbol of the Union’s triumph. An unfurled 36-star flag was placed under Lincoln’s head as he laid in state in the Capitol Rotunda. This Great Luminary 36 star flag was flown from one side of the Lincoln funeral train as it made its 10-day journey from Washington, DC to Springfield, IL. A 35-star flag was flown from the other side of the train.
Barn Information: This flag is painted on siding from a barn built in Racine County, WI c. 1877 probably by Herman Frank. Frank was a German immigrant who began farming on the East Coast but was attracted to the rich soil of the Midwest and the liberal constitution of WI that allowed immigrants the right to vote. After two generations, this farm was purchased by the Henkel’s. The Guckenberger’s lived on the farm next door and two of their children married. It was their intention to stay in Racine and continue to farm, but Mr. Guckenberger’s Dad convinced them that farming was a perilous life with financial disaster looming at every harvest. So, young Mr. Guckenberger and his new wife (and eventually their children) spent the next 30 years in the US Air Force traveling the world. Like George Washington, Mr. Guckenberger served his country well but always wanted to go home to farm. When his Dad passed away, he divided the estate with his brother and became a farmer. They also inherited the Hinkel Farm and now raise corn and soy on the joined properties.
Our accessories are handcrafted so they may not always be in stock. We will personally advise you of expected lead-times, if any, after you place your order.
| Weight | 30 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 × 12 × 12 in |
