Union Navy Civil War Regiments: The Story Behind Their Unique Flags

During the American Civil War, many corps, divisions, brigades, regiments, and even individual companies carried unique flags that told their story. These flags were often designed and sewn by women 'back home' who presented them to their loved ones serving in the Union Navy. Among these unique flags was the Confederate battle flag, also known as the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia.

In addition to national flags, both sides had a variety of other types of flags, including corps, brigade, and regimental flags, as well as flags for various branches of military service. The Confederate States of America had three different national flags over the course of four years, while the Union Navy flew the Stars and Stripes, also known as the United States flag.

One notable example of a unique flag is the banner carried by the USS New Ironsides, a Union ironclad warship. This banner features an American eagle with outstretched wings, holding arrows of war and an olive branch representing peace. The latter was a symbol of the union's commitment to defending freedom and promoting peace.

Another notable example is the flag flown by the regiment or battery, which typically featured the unit's name emblazoned on a dark blue cloth with gold fringe stars for each state appearing at the top. Above this was a version of the Great Seal of the United States, featuring an American eagle with a stars-and-stripes shield on its chest and a banner with the motto 'E Pluribus Unum' ('Out of many, one') in its beak.

The primary Union Civil War flags were the Stars and Stripes and the regimental colors. The latter were often designed to reflect the unit's specific role or mission, such as the flag flown by the USS Monitor, which featured a shield with a trident and an anchor.

In conclusion, the Union Navy Civil War regiments flew a variety of unique flags that reflected their identity and purpose. These flags told the story of the units that carried them and served as symbols of pride and patriotism for those who fought in the war.

Union navy civil war regiments