Fort Dalles Museum seeks donations to restore the historic 157-year-old Grant Flag - CCCNews

Article in Columbia Community Connection - June 27th 2025

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., June 27, 2025 — The Fort Dalles Museum is calling on community members and visitors to help preserve a rare piece of local and national history: a hand-sewn American flag dating back to 1868.

Known as the Grant Flag, the 157-year-old banner was created by the wives of Grant Club members in The Dalles to support Ulysses S. Grant’s presidential campaign following the Civil War. The club, organized by early residents including Z. Donnell and C.C. Crandall, promoted Grant's candidacy with torchlight parades and public events. Although Grant did not carry Oregon in the 1868 election, he was elected president and later won the state during his 1872 re-election bid.

The flag has been part of the Fort Dalles Museum’s collection since it was donated by local historian Lulu Crandall, but it has remained in storage for decades due to its fragile condition.

The museum is now working to raise $6,000 to professionally conserve and frame the flag for permanent public display.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Fort Dalles Museum/Anderson Homestead Foundation or FDMAH. Checks should be mailed to:

Fort Dalles Museum Foundation
P.O. Box 591
The Dalles, OR 97058

Donors should note that their contribution is for the “Grant flag.” Those wishing to donate by credit card can provide their name and phone number, and a museum representative will call to complete the transaction.

For more information, visit the museum or contact staff about how to contribute to this preservation effort.