The Flag of Company A: Celebrating the Gift of the Century
Thursday, March 27 at 6 pm at Manitowoc Public Library
The Stage is set for March, 1925
After the Civil War era flag that was given to the Manitowoc County Volunteers came back home after quite the journey, James Anderson and other survivors of the company retained it in their possession until 1925. With just a few men left from the 5th Wisconsin, Company A, the flag was restored and gifted to the Manitowoc County Historical Society - where it remains as a symbol of our community.
Join us as we reenact the ceremony that took place at the Manitowoc Public Library (then located at Chicago and North 8th Streets) for the Presentation of the Flag of Co. A, Fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry to the Manitowoc County Historical Society on March 23, 1925.
About the Flag of Company A:
“On April 19 [1861], word reached Manitowoc that Southern forces had fired on Fort Sumter and President Lincoln had declared that military force had to be used to put down that rebellion and he called for volunteers to join the armed forces to fight for the Union.
The news spread quickly and people gathered on the street corners, in the stores, and saloons to discuss this tragic happening. … Within two days enough men had signed up to form a company of soldiers and they organized themselves into the “Manitowoc County Guards.” Later they were officially mustered into the service as “Company A of the 5th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment.”
The origin of the flag relies heavily on the women of Manitowoc County in 1861. With news of the start of the Civil War, women banded together and decided to create a flag for their boys to carry through their journey in the war. The flag, they hoped, would bring thoughts of home and positivity to the soldiers.
Ticket Information:
Museum Members: FREE - Donations appreciated
Attendees: FREE - Donations appreciated