flags carried by New Jersey's troops in the war in its collection.
Flags served a simple purpose, it allowed commanders viewing the battlefield to identify regiments as
well as a rallying point during combat. They also brought unit esprit de corp, binding the soldiers
together, inspiring enthusiasm, devotion with a strong regard for their own regimental colors. All NJ
regiments were provided two large flags, one which was the United States National colors and a
second flag, a blue state regimental color, having an Federal eagle clutching arrows and olive branch
in it's talons, on one side and usually the New Jersey State seal on the other side. All flags were
cherished by their units, and vigilantly guarded by a color company within the regiment, it being a
high honor to be selected as a member of this detail, as it was based on personal courage and
steadiness under fire.
Five of these historic flags will be unveiled in specially designed exhibit cases in their new exhibit hall
at the New Jersey State Museum, located at 205 West State Street in Trenton, at 2:00 PM on
Saturday, December 30, 2017.
The flags to be unveiled are some of the most distinctive in the collection, and they have not been
shown for several years:
•
40th New Jersey Infantry National Colors
•
2nd New Jersey Infantry State Regimental Colors
•
4th New Jersey Infantry National Colors
•
2nd New Jersey Cavalry Guidon
•
A Confederate flag captured by New Jersey troops on May 3, 1863 at the battle of
Chancellorsville. The CSA regiment was never identified so the flag stayed within the
collection.
New Jersey troops captured well over twenty Confederate flags in battle during the Civil War. One of
them will be included in this exhibit. New Jersey regiments lost six flags which were captured
throughout the war. This exhibit will include two of them, from the 2nd and 4th New Jersey Infantry
regiments. Those flags were captured at the battle of Gaines' Mill in 1862 and then were recovered
after the Civil War.
The flagstaff of the 2nd New Jersey Cavalry, also included in this exhibit, was
broken by Confederate fire at the battle of Brice's Cross Road, Mississippi, in
1864.
Each flag has its own amazing story to tell.
Organized by the New Jersey State Museum and the New Jersey Civil
War Heritage Association, the unveiling event will feature an
educational gallery walk by flag historian Dr. David Martin, author of
the award winning New Jersey at Gettysburg Guidebook. Dr. Martin
is currently preparing a detailed history of the State's Civil War flags
for publication.
The gallery is newly installed on the first floor of the main museum
building, having been moved from its former location at 225 West State
Street last summer. It also features a rotating exhibition including Civil
War related photographs, sculptures and related memorabilia, prepared by
Nicholas Ciotola, Curator of Cultural History at the New Jersey State Museum, with the aid of
members of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association.
For more information and details about these specific flags
contact David G. Martin at dmartin@peddie.org
These NJ Civil War Flags will stay on display until June 2018.
NJ Civil War Flags on Display
NJ State Museum Main Building, 205 West State Street, Trenton
New Jersey contributed over 80,000 men to the fight and the New Jersey State Museum has over 100
The
public
will
experience
a
new
type
of
Civil
War
reenactment
within
a
historic
village,
following
ten
Federal
regiments on their route to a date with destiny.
The
Historic
Village
of
Allaire
will
serve
as
the
backdrop
for
the
towns
of
Hanover
Junction,
PA,
Emmitsburg,
MD,
Frederick,
MD,
Taneytown,
MD
and
Fairfield,
PA,
as
the
troop
make
their
way
in
pursuit
of
the
invading
Confederates.
Generals
Meade,
Reynolds,
Slocum,
Colonels
Chamberlain
and
Sharp
as
well
as
President
Lincoln
will
have
"commanding"
roles
in
interpreting
the
happenings
of
late
June,
1863.
Two
Licensed
Gettysburg
Battlefield
Guides
will
also narrate the scenarios.
The
Allaire
Mansion
will
be
converted
into
Georgetown's
summer
White
House
and
the
soldiers
will
enter
the
Village
from
different
points
to
create
the
illusion
of
various
towns
adjacent
to
the
Mason-Dixon
line.
Rebel
skirmishers
will
delay
the
advancing
troops
who
will
be
pressed
into
many
different lines of battle along their journey.
For more information and updates, see Cross Roads to
Gettysburg on Facebook, NJCivilWar.com,
http://allairevillage.org/eventbrite-event/9th-annual-civil-war-
encampment/
And the NJCWHA Allaire page
Crossroads to Gettysburg
Civil War Reenactment and Living History
June 2nd & 3rd - 10am - 4pm
Allaire State Park - Holmdel, NJ
Civil War Evening Lantern Tour, Skirmish & Concert
Evening of June 2nd, 2018, Historic Village at Allaire
Tickets needed
Become a part of history and join us for this one-
night only event – a THREE in one special that
includes a guided lantern tour of the encampment
and village, concert, and skirmish! This must see
after-dark special event is like none other:
•
Experience camp-life after dark a guided lantern
tour! Feel like part of the encampment as period
dressed historical interpreters lead you by lantern
light through the Confederate, Union and civilian
camps. Special tours of the historic homes, craft
shops, bakery, and general store at Allaire
•
The era and mood is set with a musical concert
•
Once the sun goes down, watch the skirmish as
forces clash at the Mill Pond Bridge
Admittance with an evening event ticket ONLY! Tickets are $20 per
person and advanced registration is required!
Spaces are limited, so advanced ticket purchasing is required! The event begins at 7pm upon being
assigned to a tour group at the Historic Row House & Village Museum (aka Visitor Center). Tours conclude
with a night skirmish at the Mill Pond Bridge that will begin at approximately 8:15 pm.
This highly specialized event takes about two hours to complete (7 pm to 9 pm) and is both indoor and
outdoor. Seating is provided for the musical concert. For more details visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/civil-war-evening-lantern-tour-skirmish-concert-tickets-43423087624
