In honor of Independence Day, the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is hosting a special display of what is believed to be the first United States flag raised in Portland after Oregon became the 33rd state. The flag is on display in OHS’s Reser Westphal Pavilion from June 30 through July 11.
The flag was hand-sewn by Ann Elizabeth Bills in 1861 and is preserved in OHS’s museum collection. Ann Bills and her husband Cincinnati Bills traveled from Indiana to Oregon in 1853. Cincinnati Bills would serve as Multnomah County Sheriff and start Portland’s first hauling business, which became the Oregon Transfer Company.
The flag was donated to OHS in 1961, and the accession file notes:
As July 4, 1861, approached, Thomas Stafford, an employee of Mr. Bills, was anxious to see an American flag raised to celebrate Independence Day. Stafford suggested to Mrs. Bills that she make a flag, and he assisted her in securing the material. Mr. Stafford and Mr. Bills went to the Sellwood area and cut down a young fir tree, from which they carved the staff for the flag. Mrs. Bills would later remember, ‘Flags were not easily secured in those days, but I saw one was badly needed here, so I went right to work to supply the want. It was hard work, but with every stitch I grew more anxious to finish the task I had undertaken.’ The completion and unfurling of the flag was celebrated with a barbecue picnic at Fourth Street, between Burnside and Ankeny, and was attended by dozens of people from miles around.
Following this special display, OHS will send the flag to a textile conservator for important preservation work.
This display is part of the official America 250 Oregon commemoration. Overseen by the America 250 Oregon Commission, created through Senate Bill 1531 and chaired by OHS’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, its mission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. More information about America 250 Oregon and a listing of other community events can be found on the official website, oregon250.org.
The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open daily in downtown Portland, from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free every day for youth 17 and under, OHS members, and residents of Multnomah County.
Source: Oregon Historical Society