Ivan Akimovich Sushchenko (Russian, B. 1930) "Fremont on the Rocky Mountains" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the 5c Fremont on the Rocky Mountains stamp issued June 18, 1998. later he explored the plateau between the upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Following this, he undertook several expeditions west of the Mississippi that contributed valuable scientific data and stimulated the public's interest in the region. On August 15, 1842, Fremont planted the U.S. Flag on what he judged to be the highest peak of the majestic Rocky Mountains. In his report to the Chief of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, Fremont testified, "We mounted the barometer in the snow of the summit, and fixing a ramrod in a crevice, unfurled the national flag to wave in the breeze where never flag waved before." The American flag that Fremont raised was a special patriotic banner of his own invention. In place of the field of stars, an eagle grasping an Indian peace pipe and arrows was predominantly displayed -- a design chosen to impress the Indians as a symbol of peace. Six years later, Fremont, now known as "the Pathfinder," returned to the Rockies to lead an expedition investigating a possible southern railroad route to the Pacific. A skilled explorer and popular figure, Fremont was nominated in 1856 to be the first presidential candidate for the newly-formed Republican party, but narrowly lost the election to James Buchanan. With the eruption of the Civil War in 1861, "the Pathfinder" served his country with distinction as major general in charge of the Department of the West. Image Size: 10 x 20.25 in. Overall Size: 12.5 x 22.75 in. Unframed. (B16009) See More