PLEASE DONATE TO SAVE THE “GRANT FLAG”

HISTORY OF THE 1868 US FLAG AT THE DALLES FORT MUSEUM

Between 1861 - 1865, Civil War had convulsed the United States, and President Abraham R. Lincoln was one of the war’s last casualties.  Andrew Johnson’s elevation to the office of President changed the political landscape of reunion and reconciliation between the North and the South.  Johnson’s policies did not endear him to the majority of the Republican Party.  By 1868, it was clear the party needed a new standard bearer.  They turned instead to Ulysses S. Grant, victorious general of the Union Armies.  

Meanwhile, in The Dalles, regular Army units had returned to Fort Dalles after the war, but by 1867 the Army decided Fort Dalles was no longer needed.  However, by this time the city of The Dalles was firmly established.  The Dalles tended to be politically Democratic, but there was support in The Dalles for Ulysses S. Grant, a Republican, for President in 1868.

Throughout the year, “Grant Clubs” were springing up around the country.  These clubs were often groups of young men who would conduct torchlight parades and other activities to promote their favored candidate.

An article appeared in the Portland Oregonian on August 26, 1868, proclaiming that a Grant Club had been organized in The Dalles.  According to Lulu Crandall, one of the earliest historians of The Dalles, it was her father, Z. Donnell, who organized the club, along with C.C. Crandall, C.M. Grimes, and C.H. Reed of Dufur, who were also members.  Their wives hand-sewed a very large American flag for their use.  Lulu stated, “Their flagstaff and rallying point stood on the knoll just west of the hospital.”  Grant did not carry Oregon in 1868 but he was nevertheless elected President of the United States.  Four years later in 1872, Grant successfully ran for re-election and won Oregon.

The US flag, handsewn in 1868 by wives of Grant Club members of The Dalles, has been a part of the Fort Dalles Museum collection since Lulu Crandall donated it in the early years of the museum’s existence.  But it has been in storage for many years needing professional conservation and suitable framing.

At this time, The Fort Dalles Museum is requesting your help to prepare this flag for prominent display at the museum so it can be viewed by museum visitors once again.  

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION

      YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE UNDER 501(c)(3) 

Make your check to: Fort Dalles Museum/Anderson Homestead Foundation or FDMAH mail it to: Fort Dalles Museum Foundation, P.O. BOX 591, The Dalles, Or 97058