A legendary American flag is now on display in the courthouse in Urbana.
The flag has been loaned out for display by a physician from Champaign, who wants people to see it. Pattsi Petrie, the chair of the Champaign County Board agrees, noting that among other things, the flag has only 34 stars, and is riddled with bullet holes. She calls it a “reminder of one of the most significant aspects of our country” and urges residents of Champaign, Urbana, and nearby towns to stop in and take a look.
The history of the flag goes back more than 150 years, when male residents of many small western Illinois communities formed regiments and went east to fight in the Civil War. One of these units was the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment, a unit that was created in St. Charles, Illinois. The men of the 8th Illinois carried a big hand-sewn American flag with them. It is believed that this flag was carried from September 1861 until July 1865.
The regiment fought in several major Civil War battles, including Fredericksburg, Antietam, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Mechanicsville. Although it cannot be proven one way or the other, it is also believed the regiment may have fired the first shot at Gettysburg, the pivotal battle of the war.
Events like these can benefit from Brochures, which can explain historical aspects and provide other interesting information about exhibits.
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