Massachusetts, from Flags of the States and Territories (N11) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This is a lithograph of Massachusetts from ‘Flags of the States and Territories’ which was part of a series of collectible cards produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in the late 19th century. The flag of the state, which is the main subject of the image, shows a Native American man with a bow and arrow. Above the man’s figure is an arm holding a sword, and the state’s motto "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" which translates to "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty" is draped across the center. Below this image we see a landscape depicting the urban life in Richmond, Virginia. This card reveals the complex cultural associations in the United States during that time. It attempts to invoke a sense of regional pride while also pointing to the complicated relationship with Indigenous people and the changing landscape of the country. These cards were meant to be collected and traded, and serve as a reminder of the role that commercial institutions play in shaping our understanding of culture. By examining sources like periodicals, advertisements, and ephemera like these cards, we can gain insight into the cultural values of a particular time and place.