United States Bunting Records

Prior to the Civil War, American flag makers imported primarily English bunting for the manufacture of the nation's flags. In March 1865, General Benjamin F. Butler incorporated the United States Bunting Company and began producing flag bunting in a factory within the works of the newly established Wamesit Power Company. U. S. Bunting quickly became the most successful manufacturer of bunting cloth in the United States. Butler exploited his ties with members of Congress and military officials to garner government contracts with his company. In 1866 his agent, De Witt C. Farrington, presented the Senate with a large American flag (21 by 12 feet), produced by the bunting company, to fly over the U.S. Capitol. It was reportedly the first flag of American-manufactured bunting to be hoisted over the capitol building.