English: First flag to represent the state of California, made in 1850 which is an odd time to make a state flag. Most state flags were adopted in the early 21st Century, but this beats them by 50 years. One of only 2 states to have their own flag to represented them during their admission to the union, the other one being Texas. The flag was painted by William Henry Powell who was famous for his painting of the Battle of Lake Erie. The flag is based off a very vague, description below:

"HISTORIC FLAG SHOWS FIRST SEAL OF STATE Recently The Herald published a description of the original California state seal as designed at the time California was admitted into the union. Through this description considerable attention has been called to the only authentic facsimile of this seal, which is now the property of Dr. W. E. Clayton, who resides at the Hotel St. Mark.

This flag, which is made of English bunting, is eight feet wide by twelve feet long, with the design painted in the center, the handiwork of the late Prof. Powell of New York city.

After being painted by Prof. Powell, Joseph D. Delgardo obtained the flag, Which bad been in his possession for the last sixteen years, passing from him to the present owner. Mr. Delgardo, who resides at 906 West Eighty-fifth street, was particularly interested in the flag, as his grandfather, Joseph Martin Delgado, was sent to California by the Mexican government in 1840 and was given a grant of land comprising 1000 acres. The name of Degardo 13 well known In California history, and it seemed particularly fitting that one of the family should be the owner of the only copy made or the seal which was authorized at Washington on the accession of the Golden state. Dr. Clayton, the present owner of the historic piece of bunting, is very proud of Its history." -Los Angeles Herald, 25 October 1910