Under the leadership of Gen. Robert E. Lee, the Southern states surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in the parlor of the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House in Virginia, April 9, 1865.

A relic from that eventful day 145 years ago is on display at Fort Gordon’s Signal Corps Museum. It’s the wigwag flag flown during the ceremonial surrender.

“We have the reproduction hanging in the museum,” said Robert Anzuoni, Signal Corps Museum director.

At 11 by 14-feet, the replica flag can be seen by visitors throughout the building. It is visible upon entry to the museum.

However, the original, cannot be displayed in that manner. It is sealed under glass. Usually, the flag is stored; but in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Signal Corps, the flag will be on display through the end of the year.

Anzuoni said the flag has been restored, but it demands extra care. The weight of the material would cause unnecessary strain upon itself if it were to be hung from the ceiling.

The proper way to display it would to lie the flag flat and or at an angle, but space constraints prohibit this, he said.

The wigwag flag was donated to the Signal Corps by the granddaughter of Brig. Gen. Albert Myer, who founded the Signal Corps.