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

This small chromolithograph of Minnesota, from a series of cigarette cards issued by Allen & Ginter of Richmond, Virginia, presents an idealized image of the state around the late nineteenth century. Note the prominent display of the state flag. The imagery combines the romantic vision of westward expansion, symbolized by the Native American on horseback, and agricultural progress, represented by the white farmer tilling the soil. The motto “L’Étoile du Nord”, the star of the north, is the state motto of Minnesota. This card appeared at a time when commercial imagery was being used to promote both products and national identities. Allen & Ginter used these cards as collectible inserts to boost cigarette sales. Understanding the historical context helps us decipher the message embedded within seemingly innocuous images. Historians use sources like newspapers, advertisements, and company records to understand such cultural objects. Examining the history of commercial imagery and advertising helps us to understand the complex interplay between commerce, culture, and identity in the making of national narratives.