Rare Treat; Never Displayed Before

[Cumpston1862]

This captured Southern Flag has never been displayed for the public before. It was captured by an Iowa Infantry or Cavalry unit during the war while occupying a town down south. The exact town and unit that captured it have been lost over the years but what does remain is this incredible flag. The State Historical Society of Iowa aquired the flag from a veteran and has had it ever sinse. The flag is huge being about 5' wide and 20' long. That is also the reason for the difficulty in photgraphing it and the poor quality of this picture. Nonetheless an impressive relic from the war.

 

[AndyHall]

Amazing. This must be a banner that flew from a prominent building or similar, yes?

 

[Cumpston1862]

Amazing. This must be a banner that flew from a prominent building or similar, yes?

Yes. The vague information that has survived with the flag, as I recall, said it was taken down from a building when the Iowa troops entered the town. These non standard or homemade flags I think give a rare glimpse into the mindset of the people at that time..."Independance or Death." Not much negotiation room with that kind of statement.

The State of Iowa was not able to display this flag before because of the cost involved in such a large stand. Yours truly helped make it happen.

 

[AndyHall]

Thank you for doing that.

 

[Cumpston1862]

Thank-you Andy.

Just trying to thank the boys both north and south for their efforts to our country in a small way.

 

[godofredus]

Yes, really great. One more check-off on why Lincoln held negotiating with the confederacy at his (very very long) arms length....