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Deseret flag, 1851 (U.S.)

Historical

image by Randy Young, 28 October 2004

Overview

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Overview

Utah was settled by Mormons and was made a territory in 1847. Since that time, a beehive has been one symbol (among others) used there. In 1851 the territory, under the name of Deseret, petitioned for admission to the union. They would not outlaw polygamy, and were turned down by Congress. Utah was admitted as a State in 1896. This flag was used apparently in 1851; at any rate, it appears in the Bellerophon Books coloring book entitled "American Flags to Color from Washington to Lincoln," which was authenticated by Whitney Smith.
Dave Martucci, 4 November 1996

From the book "Flags to Color, Washington to Lincoln," page 29, and is listed as "Deseret flag, 1851."

Quote -
"Colors: Blue canton; light brown eagle with yellow beak and claws and white head; yellow beehive; yellow-bordered red ribbon with yellow lettering [reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM"]; white stars; red and yellow flames from dark brown cannon; seven red and six white stripes."

"The beehive as a symbol of industry has been used in Utah since earliest times. The Mormon settlers added it and a cannon (presumably for the defense of their rights) to the American coat of arms in the canton of this flag."

Randy Young, 28 October 2004