Program on the flags of the 22nd and 58th NCT regiments this Saturday.

Probably two years ago, I started prominently displaying photographs of Confederate flags which were the focus of the conservation fundraising efforts of the 26^th North Carolina Troops, reactivated. I’m not a member of the 26^th NCT, but I believe in what they are doing, and I want everyone to know that they can help with these worthwhile projects. As an aside, I know that other groups are working on raising funds to preserve flags as well– send me a link to your web site and a photo of the flag, and I’ll put it up.

Back in May of 2008, I had the privilege of speaking at the North Carolina Museum of History when the conserved flag of the 37^th NCT was unveiled. This flag is held by the Museum of the Confederacy, and in 2008 was placed on long-term loan at the North Carolina Museum of History. You can see a post about the event here, and the flag on display here.

This Saturday, I’ll be in Raleigh again, this time speaking about the 58^th North Carolina Troops as their flag, along with the flag of the 22^nd North Carolina Troops, is unveiled. Both flags have been sent to the conservators and both are back.

The flag of the 58^th NCT, of should I say remnants of two flags of the 58^th NCT were never surrendered at the end of the war. Many of us believe that these fragments are from a Second National and an 1864-Dalton issued flag. They were taken home by Maj. George W. F. Harper of Caldwell County at the end of the war, and his descendants gave the pieces to the Museum after the turn of the century.

The flag of the 22^nd NCT is a 3^rd issue Richmond Depot flag that was given to the regiment in June 1863. The flag was captured by a member of the 42^nd New York during the battle of Gettysburg. It was taken to the War Department and given number 76. In May 1905, the flag was returned to the state of North Carolina.

Three cheers to the folks in the 26^th North Carolina Troops, reactivated, and the work that they are doing to preserve North Carolina’s history.

If you are at the program on Saturday, stop by and say hi! The event begins at 2 and is free to the public.