White Pass Country Historical Society (Out of Many, One display)

1893 Handsewn US Flag

Handsewn in 1893 and first flown that Independence Day, this unique U.S. flag features 41 stars—despite the nation having 44 states by July 4, 1893, following Wyoming’s admission in 1890. First raised in Vance, Washington (later renamed Randle), the flag was preserved for generations before being donated to the White Pass Country Museum by the descendants of Dicy Randle and May Randle McMahan.

How it represents the community’s American experience:

Crafted by local pioneers Dicy Randle, May Randle McMahan, Josephine Siler, and Clara Dow, this flag embodies the resilient patriotism of the early frontier. Living in a rugged, isolated region with delayed news from the East, the women stitched an inaccurate star count—yet their dedication was unmistakable. By pausing their relentless struggle for survival and using precious fabric that could have clothed their families, they chose to prioritize honoring their country, weaving the community’s identity directly into the American story.