Katrina Wolf Murat

Katrina Wolf Murat ( Countess Murat; August 20, 1824 – March 13, 1910) was a German-born American pioneer. She was the first European woman in Denver, and the maker of the first United States flag in Colorado.

Early years Katrina Wolf was born in Heidelsheim, Baden, August 20, 1824. Her father was either a Prussian vintner, or German innkeeper. and was buried near Henri in Riverside Cemetery. To commemorate her services, a boulder of silver plume granite was placed on her grave, bearing the inscription:— "In memory of the maker of the first United States Flag in Colorado, Katrina Wolf Murat 1824–1910, Erected by Denver Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution."

First United States flag in Colorado In the winter of 1858–1859, Murat, assisted by Wapolah, a Sioux, sewed the seams of the first U.S. flag in Colorado. Murat purchased blue and white muslin , but, lacking red material, cut up a red merino petticoat, which she had brought from France. Wapolah aided in sewing the stripes, while Murat arranged the placing of the stars. The significance of the flag was grasped only partially by Wapolah. She thought it applied more to the President than to the country, for she often said, while regarding it: "for the great Father at Washington." Later, Wapolah heeded the call of her own people, returned to the Dakotahs, and was lost sight of. A pole was brought from the foothills and the flag raised by means of rope and pulley, amidst a throng of spectators. Three hearty cheers ended the ceremony.

Nicknamed the "Betsy Ross of Colorado", when asked, in her old age, how she made the flag without a pattern, she answered:— "How could anyone who has seen that flag and loves liberty and freedom forget what it is like? I knew there must be a star for every State and I counted the States at that time. When you love America, you love the American flag."