FLAG OF THE REPUBLIC OF CANADA, 1837

Fort Malden National Historic Park, Amherstburg

The exhibit features a surviving flag seized from the schooner Anne in the course of the rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada. The flag (which was also to serve as the official seal) of the provisional government was a new moon breaking through surrounding darkness with the words “Liberty - Equality” emblazoned on it. “It was a tricolor, and it contained only two stars, to represent Upper and Lower Canada,” wrote Charles Lindsey, Mackenzie’s son-in-law. The two stars were symbolic of the unity of Lower Canada and Upper Canada in the struggle for a republic free of monarchical control. It was first flown when Mackenzie proclaimed the provisional Republic of Upper Canada on Navy Island on 13 December 1837. On 14 December 1837 Navy Island was occupied and the twin star was seized by the British forces.

photo credit: Onil Perrier