Confederate Battle Flag

[Cavalry Charger]

I'm curious to know what happened in regard to the Confederate Battle Flag immediately after the CW ended. I know many were captured, removed to the War Dept, and it seems some were 'cut up' and kept as mementos by the men. Going by the video shared by @JerseyBart they were not a welcome sight at reunions held in later years, and it was a fight to get them there. I am wondering when and how they were first displayed again. Were they ever displayed during the Reconstruction era? If not, how long after? I know States were eventually able to acquire most of them back. Were replicas displayed before the return of the flags? I am interested in the actual display of the flag after the war in terms of understanding its ongoing significance.

 

[Patrick H]

That's a very good question. It's one I've never thought much about. The only one I can comment on with any sense of certainty is the flag of Gen. J.O. Shelby's brigade. They buried it in the Rio Grand River as they crossed into Mexico.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

http://www.bartleby.com/248/740.html

 

[Cavalry Charger]

http://www.bartleby.com/248/740.html

I am so glad you shared this poem with me, and I will respect it by not commenting further. Thank you.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

I am so glad you shared this poem with me, and I will respect it by not commenting further. Thank you.

That really wasn't my intentions. I thought it would be interesting to see what was said by someone who actually served under the flag. I remember seeing and reading it from the poetry volume of "The Photographic History". To me it's refreshing compared to the continuous montage of theories from the those attempting to defend the "Lost Cause", and those opposed, and infected with "Confedera-phobia". I make every effort to avoid both !

 

[Cavalry Charger]

That really wasn't my intentions. I thought it would be interesting to see what was said by someone who actually served under the flag. I remember seeing and reading it from the poetry volume of "The Photographic History". To me it's refreshing compared to the continuous montage of theories from the those attempting to defend the "Lost Cause", and those opposed, infected with "Confedera-phobia". I make every effort to avoid both !

And I believe it stands beautifully in between...tbh I found it deeply moving, which is why I preferred not to comment. I thank you again for sharing.

 

[Cavalry Charger]

That's a very good question. It's one I've never thought much about. The only one I can comment on with any sense of certainty is the flag of Gen. J.O. Shelby's brigade. They buried it in the Rio Grand River as they crossed into Mexico.

That last part of your comment goes to show the significance, and value, of the flag to the men who fought under it...like a precious jewel to be hidden away from those who would seek to take it from them, and I'm guessing that flag was never found. I would suggest it was probably the men's strongest identification, and to be protected at all costs. At the very least, kept out of Union hands...and it was a prize to be won. We all know the color bearers bore the brunt of the battle, the flag making them a target, many dying to ensure the flag remained 'alive'. For an 'inanimate' object, it sure packs quite a punch to say the least.

 

[Patrick H]

That last part of your comment goes to show the significance, and value, of the flag to the men who fought under it...like a precious jewel to be hidden away from those who would seek to take it from them, and I'm guessing that flag was never found. I would suggest it was probably the men's strongest identification, and to be protected at all costs. At the very least, kept out of Union hands...and it was a prize to be won. We all know the color bearers bore the brunt of the battle, the flag making them a target, many dying to ensure the flag remained 'alive'. For an 'inanimate' object, it sure packs quite a punch to say the least.

Very nice thoughts here. Regardless of which side a soldier served, the colors were cherished. I have often wondered if any remnant of Shelby's flag was ever recovered. Those guys came home from Mexico after a couple of years, so who knows. I doubt any fabric would have been left, but the staff might have been recovered.

 

[kepi]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674019830/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

 

[Cavalry Charger]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674019830/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

It took me a minute to realize this was a book! I thought it was a replica of the flag. Having said that, I think it is a must read, and a definite addition to my library. Thanks for that

 

[W. Richardson]

It took me a minute to realize this was a book! I thought it was a replica of the flag. Having said that, I think it is a must read, and a definite addition to my library. Thanks for that

Respectfully,
William

 

[Cavalry Charger]

Respectfully,
William
View attachment 135222

I am most appreciative, William. And I look forward to becoming even more enlightened

 

[W. Richardson]

I am most appreciative, William. And I look forward to becoming even more enlightened

You are most welcome CC !


Respectfully,
William