Tobacco Flag

MediumTextile, framed

Dimensions13 × 15 in. (33 × 38.1 cm)

ClassificationsTextiles and Apparel

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Fred Robertson. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number79.7.2

Status

On view

Collections

Textiles and Jewelry

CultureAmerican

Label Text“E Pluribus Unum” is Latin for “Out of many, one.” It was intended to reflect the union of the original thirteen colonies into a single nation. The phrase first appeared in 1782 on the Great Seal of the United States, which was adopted by the Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary period. The phrase emphasizes unity through diversity—the idea that the United States is formed from many states, peoples, and cultures, coming together as one nation. While Latin mottos were common in the 18th century, “E Pluribus Unum” was particularly resonant in the context of forging a new, united republic. Today, it still appears on coins, the Great Seal, and various government documents. It’s often cited as a symbol of American identity and cohesion. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tobacco companies often included flag‑like textile premiums in cigarette and cigar packages to attract buyers. These were small felt or silk representations of national flags or other designs issued as promotional items with tobacco products. Collectors today know these as tobacco premiums rather than official flags. On this premium are flags of Costa Rica, Peru and Cuba, middle from left to right is an eagle standing on a shield holding a ribbon in its mouth that says E. Pluribus Unum, the American flag and eagle, bottom row displays flag of San Domingo and a flag of Haiti.

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