Lewis and Clark Expedition or Indian Peace/Presentation Flag-1804

The practice of the federal government giving Flags to friendly Native American leaders dates to the time of the founding.  This practice extended through the 1850’s.  Eagles being revered by both Americans and native tribes, it made sense to include the U.S. seal, featuring an eagle, in the canton of these Flags.  Five of these Indian Peace Flags supposedly still exist. 

At the time of the Louisiana Purchase, loyalties of the native tribes were split between the United States, Britain and Spain.  One task of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to establish peace with the people of the new territory.  Flags were given as tokens of peace, and leaders encouraged to fly them as a symbol of loyalty to the United States.

In accordance with the Flag Act of 1794, Flags carried by the Lewis and Clark Expedition had 15 stripes.  A pennant with a similar design flew over the expedition’s barges.  A Flag currently archived by the Chicago Historical Society may be the only Lewis and Clark Flag still existing.

Sources include:

Clark, William. Journal entry 30 January 1804 “The Barge” https://lewis-clark.org/day-by-day/30-jan-1804/

Druckman, Nancy. “American Flags, Designs for a Young Nation” p. 31 (2003) Harry N. Abrams Incorporated, New York

Lucy, Gary. “Lewis and Clark” (2004) http://www.garylucy.com/captainslog/lcflagnew.html

Mussulman, Joseph. “Indian Presentation Flags” Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation.  Retrieved 19 August 2024 from https://lewis-clark.org/trail-diplomacy/flags/indian-presentation-flags/

National Museum of American History. “Flag, Eagle in Canton” (c. 1830) Smithsonian Institute. https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_411093

Preble, George. “Our Flag, Origin and Progress of the Flag of the United States of America” p. 194, (1872) Kessinger’s Legacy Reprint 

Saindon, Bob. “Symbol of Peace; Sign of Allegiance; Banner of Pride, The Flags Of The Lewis and Clark Expedition” We Proceed On, Vol. 7 No. 4 (November 1981) https://lewisandclark.org/wpo/pdf/vol7no4.pdf#page=22

Unknown. “Holding an Indian Peace Flag of 1803” Photograph, (1933) Montana State Library https://www.mtmemory.org/nodes/view/15850