Improved Order of Red Men "The Trail" Lithographic Poster
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Approx. Size(inches): 20.5" x 26.5"
Approx. Age: 1880s
Condition: Good, see photos.
Original Improved Order of the Red Men lithograph from the 1880s. At the time this poster was published, this organization was about a century old and composed of free, white men who emulated an approximation of what they thought a Native American governing system/ hierarchy to be. The group did not include any true Native Americans, nor did it advocate for native rights or allow non-whites into their ranks. Some general information on the group's history, in their own words, can be read below:
“The fraternity traces its origins back to 1765 and is descended from the Sons of Liberty. These patriots concealed their identities and worked “underground” to help establish freedom and liberty in the early Colonies. They patterned themselves after the great Iroquois Confederacy and its democratic governing body. Their system, with elected representatives to govern tribal councils, had been in existence for several centuries.”
“Today, The Improved Order of Red Men continues to offer all patriotic Americans an organization that is pledged to the high ideals of Freedom, Friendship, and Charity. These are the same ideals on which the American nation was founded. By belonging to this proud and historic organization you can demonstrate your desire to continue the battle started at Lexington and Concord to promote Freedom and protect the American Way of Life.”
This piece is clean and in good condition for its age and size. There are some tears towards the top of the poster which have been repaired with document repair tape, but it is otherwise in good condition, without blemishes or stains to the litho.