Fort McAllister Flag Comes Back-- Part 3

There is one small tear on the flag and the red field has faded to a pink color. But the blue "X" and stars are still as crisp as it was new, as are the hand-painted words "Emmett Rifles" and "Fort McAllister."

Historians say it is not one-of-a-kind, but is quite rare.

The Clayton family retained control of it after the war, even though all captured flags were ordered to be turned over to the federal government. Even so, many Union units and individuals kept their flags as souvenirs (as did states.)

Many Confederate unit flags were destroyed to prevent capture. Other flags were cut into pieces by the victors so everyone would have a memento of its accomplishment.

In 1905, by order of Congress, the federal government began returning captured flags to their respective Southern state as an act of reconciliation.

Great to Have It back. --Old Secesh