Century Old Flag Discovered

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By Miranda Grossman

Story Published: Jul 25, 2008 at 7:31 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 25, 2008 at 7:31 PM EDT

Its faded, and has a few stains, but the battle flag in Westfield is in good condition. Considering it dates back to the Spanish-American War of 1899.

"The flag had a label on it that said captured at the battle of San Juan Hill," said Dr. Robert Brown, a local historian.

The flag was found at the Westfield Athenaeum. In an attic, folded up in a box.

"It appears to have belonged to the equivalent of a national guard unit that may have very well fought in the Spanish-American war," explained Dr. Brown.

Local Historian, Dr. Robert Brown is chair of an historical task force, who has spent the last few years looking at items people have donated over the century. They've determined it's the oldest Puerto Rican national flag in existence, and pre-dates Puerto Rico becoming a U.S. territory.

The flag will be given to the National Puerto Rican Cultural Historical Museum in San Juan during an official ceremony in November. Until then, the flag is on display at the Athenaeum on Elm Street.

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