Some 250,000 Illinois soldiers served during the war, most in Illinois regiments. Each regiment had two flags: the National and regimental. It was considered a great honor to carry either flag. However, carrying one made you a major target of the enemy and casualties for doing so were very high.
The 95th served from 1862 to 1865 in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and Alabama. During that time, the unit traveled over 9,000 miles.
The flag on display is six-foot square with fringes on three sides and a swatch missing (probably taken as a souvenir). Most likely, it was made in Philadelphia owing to the elliptical pattern of stars which was a hallmark of flags made in that city.
I'll Have to See It Next Time I'm in Town. --Old B-R'er
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