Union Soldier Tintype
1ST Sgt.


This flag of the unknown Union sergeant depicted on the
accompanying full plate tintype, presumably belonged to his wife and family.
These small flags are often referred to as "bible flags." They were common
to both the North and the South during the American Civil War. Often made for a
soldier by a mother, wife, sweetheart or sister, smaller flags were often carried by
soldiers in pocket bibles as a reminder of loved ones at home. Slightly larger flags
were used as bookmarks for passages of scripture in family bibles as a way to
remember those serving at the front.

Religion was a factor on both sides, especially after 1863, when the Union
and the Confederacy each began to equate their cause with a crusade. In the
North the fight to free the slaves was added to the campaign to save the Union,
while in the South it became a fight to defend hearths and altars.

Exhibition History:
University of California - Santa Cruz
Board of Councilors Meeting, Rare Flags Exhibit
Santa Cruz, CA
7 June 2012

Item is Framed