OLD BARRACKS MUSEUM
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Picture
Pine Tree Flag
Mid-18th Century
Connecticut 
Wool and Cotton
​Museum Purchase
OBA 2013.004.0001


​This “Pine Tree Flag” is one of the oldest known flags in North America, and perhaps even the British Isles. Written accounts and research tell us the motif of a pine tree was featured heavily on early American flags but this is the only known example to have survived.
 
The flag was found in an 18th century trunk on Long Island in 1992 by Mr. Gary Laube of Easthampton. Previously it was in possession of the Woodward family, whose ancestor Jacob Woodward was an ensign in the 6th Company, 5th Connecticut Provincial Regiment during the French and Indian War (Note the embroidered ‘5th Regt’ in the center).
 
The flag is homemade, truly making it one of a kind, and research has shown the missing pieces along the right-hand side were cut away on purpose, most likely as souvenirs for the remaining soldiers of the 5th Regiment. Saint George’s Cross in the top left suggests North America was still part of the British Empire when the flag was constructed, and the symbol of the pine tree connects it with the colony of Connecticut. Professional textile conservators are confident the flag could date from at least the mid-18th century.

Collection Highlights
The Old Barracks Museum | 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 | 609-396-1776 | info@barracks.org
Open Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM 
Closed Sundays, Mondays, Jan. 1, Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, Dec. 25
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • About
    • History >
      • About the Building
      • Bibliography
    • Contact
    • Space Rentals
    • Staff & Board
    • Supporters
    • Projects >
      • Bake Oven Rebuild
      • Operation: Restoration 2016 >
        • Officers' House Restoration
        • Barracks Restoration
      • French and Indian War Outfittings Project & Grant
    • Photo Gallery
  • Visit
    • Hours, Admission, Etc.
    • Special Events >
      • Park Day
      • 4 Centuries of African American Soldiers
      • Spring Lecture Series
      • May Tea
      • Arts at the Old Barracks >
        • Call for Submissions
    • Virtual Field Trips
    • School and Group Tours
    • Plan Your Visit
  • Exhibits
    • Collection Highlights >
      • Sampler Collection
    • A Symbol of New Jersey to the World
    • When Women Vote: The Old Barracks and the Anti-Suffrage Movement
    • "Necessary and Proper for the Public Good" World War I Exhibit
  • Support
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Volunteers & Interns
    • Email Sign Up
  • Shop