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Political Bandana for James A. Garfield (1831-1881) and Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886)
1880
Hugh McCrossan; Joseph Laing, lithographer
USA: New York (Probably)
Lithograph on cotton
overall: 17"h x 17-1/2"w; frame: 19-7/8"h x 20-3/8"w in.
Gift of Robert A. Frank
2001.067.1

Political campaign bandanna for James A. Garfield (1831-1881) and Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886); legend reads "Gen. Jas A. Garfield / Gen. Chester A. Arthur"; flags and stars in red, white and blue, black and white bust portraits of Garfield and Arthur surrounded by eagle, United States shields; crossed flags at all four corners; at lower center in print reads "Joseph Laing, Lith. 10 & 12 Dey St. New York"; at lower left in print reads "Copyright 1880 by Hugh McCrossan"; wooden frame with glass.


The 1880 election brought out few major issues, but did see high voter turnout. Republican James A. Garfield (1831-1881) and his running mate Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886) won by less than 10,000 votes over Democrats Winfield S. Hancock (1824-1886) and William H. English (1822-1896). The lithographer made textiles in this style and colorway for the candidates of both parties. The symbols around the portraits differ on each in order to highlight notable characteristics for the respective candidates. On this one, a canal boat and a combination sail and steamship suggest Garfield's interest in promoting trade. Sadly, Garfield was assassinated just a few months after his victory.