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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Guidon Flag at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Guidon Flag at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

May 7, 2016 By James Mitchell Varnum

The 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment (Company L) guidon flag is now on loan to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum! This stunning piece of American Civil War history is on display at the armory through a generous loan from the Rhode Island National Guard (RING).  Book a tour at the armory to view this exciting new exhibit!

1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company L guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment (Company L) guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company L guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment (Company L) guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company L guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment (Company L) guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company L guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment (Company L) guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company L guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment (Company L) guidon flag

This flag has witnessed some of the most ferocious and important cavalry battles of the Civil War. It was present for the Gettysburg Campaign where the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company were tasked with finding General Robert E. Lee‘s Army of Northern Virginia as it moved north through the Shenandoah Valley towards Maryland and eventually Pennsylvania.

But to find Lee’s Arm, they first had to punch through Confederate General Jeb Stuart’s cavalry screens guarding the mountain gaps.  At Middleburg, VA, the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company were essentially surrounded and attacked by a North Carolina regiment. Out of roughly 280 men, the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company lost 250 or so (most being captured).

This flag (belonging to Company L) was captured on that day, June 17, 1863. The flag remained in North Carolina in a museum for over 100 years before North Carolina returned the flag to Rhode Island in a ceremony held at the armory in 2008. The RING has been keeper of the flag ever since. Thank you RING for this generous loan!

BOOK A TOUR AT THE ARMORY TODAY!


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At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, cavalry, civil war, museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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