Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Peace Flag" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Canvas board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 33c 48-Star Flag Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 14, 2000. In 1912, two new states joined the Union -- New Mexico and Arizona. Congress had established New Mexico Territory in 1850, a region that included what is now Arizona and parts of present-day Colorado, Nevada and Utah. When the Arizona and Colorado territories were organized in 1863, New Mexico received its present-day boundaries. By the late 1800s, railroads had linked the territory to the rest of the nation and New Mexico enjoyed a prosperous cattle and mining boom. Arizona Territory progressed as gold and silver discoveries brought miners and settlers to the region. Ranching and farming enhanced economic prosperity, especially when the Southern Pacific Railroad linked Arizona to California in 1877. Because both the New Mexico and Arizona territories developed simultaneously, Congress considered bills in 1905 and 1906 that would form one large state from these two regions. Both bills were defeated, however, and two separate states were created. New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912, while Arizona joined the Union as the 48th state a few weeks later, on February 14. The 48-star flag was officially established by Congress on June 24, 1912, and included two new stars representing New Mexico and Arizona. Image Size: 13.5 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 15 in. Unframed. (B16867)