Hayes Lowe
Alabama flags in Chicago.
Sat Jun 16 16:13:33 2001


For those interested, here are all of the flags in that collection with an Alabama connection that I have found. The notes within the brackets are my own.

3rd Ala. Cav. [Flag carried by H. F. DeBardeleben. Possibly the silk flag, which was presented to the Prattville Dragoons (Company H) by Miss Abbie Holt. The flag of the 3rd that I am familiar with is a St. Andrew's cross flag. (This flag is in the Lotz House Museum in Franklin, Tenn.) The flag held by the Chicago Historical Society flag is not an identical flag, but it is a similar design flag. The flag in the CHS collection was captured on 1/27/1864 by the 2nd Ind. Cav.]

60th Ala. Inf. [Flag carried by William N. Leslie. Design is based on the 2nd National Flag (Stainless Banner) of the Charleston Depot type. This type flag was not used until after 5/1/1863. This is consistent with the unit's history, the unit being organized at Charleston, Tennessee on 11/25/1863]

24th Ala. Inf. [Flag bearer unknown, by me at least. The flag was surrendered (possibly to the 17th Indiana Mounted Infantry) by the ensign of the regiment who had deserted at Chickamauga. Erroneously reported as surrendered by the Major of the regiment. The flag had been presented to the regiment by the wife of Capt. Stark Oliver. The deserting flag bearer was replaced by Grief C. Wells. The flag in the CHS collection is a St. George's cross style.]

Unknown St. Patrick cross flag, attributed to Alabama. [Similar in design to the current Alabama flag, and similar to a 7th Alabama Cav. (Forrest's Corp) flag.]