O.K., grizzled old She Rebel. Here's hint # 2.5 - Just for you.....
The watermark isn't obscuring anything. See the sign to the lower right? The white dressed maidens in the wagon represent the existing 33 states. The sign says - Won't you let me in? K-ns-s.
"There are few subjects that ignite more casual, uninformed bigotry and condescension from elites in this nation more than Dixie - Jonah Goldberg"