June 18, 2016 was the 153rd anniversary of the First Rhode Island Cavalry‘s demise at the Battle of Middleburg during the U.S. Civil War. Nearly surrounded by overwhelming numbers from Jeb Stuart‘s Confederate cavalry, Col. Duffie ordered every man to try to get away. Out of roughly 280 soldiers, only 27 made it out. In the midst of the fray, this guidon flag of Company L was captured late in the morning of June 18th, 1863. The guidon flag is one of the newer exhibits at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum in East Greenwich, RI. Click here to book a tour at the armory!
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