#CivilWar #BattleofGettysburg #MinnesotaRegiment #ConfederateFlag #HistoryFacts #TIL
Did you know that during the US Civil War, a Minnesota regiment captured a confederate flag from the Virginia army during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863? This historical event has sparked controversy and debate over the years, with Virginia making multiple requests for the flag to be returned, only to be refused by Minnesota each time.
In this article, we will delve deeper into this fascinating piece of history, exploring the context of the Battle of Gettysburg, the significance of capturing a confederate flag, and the ongoing debate surrounding its return. Get ready to uncover the secrets of this iconic moment in American history!
## The Battle of Gettysburg: A Turning Point in the Civil War
The Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1-3, 1863, is considered one of the most pivotal moments in the US Civil War. It was the largest battle ever fought in North America, with over 50,000 casualties on both sides. This battle marked a turning point in the war, as it resulted in a decisive victory for the Union army, led by General George Meade.
– **Union vs. Confederate**: The Union army, comprised of soldiers from Northern states, faced off against the Confederate army, made up of soldiers from Southern states.
– **Minnesota Regiment**: One of the regiments fighting for the Union at Gettysburg was the Minnesota regiment, known for their bravery and tenacity on the battlefield.
– **Capture of the Confederate Flag**: During the fierce fighting at Gettysburg, the Minnesota regiment managed to capture a confederate flag from the Virginia army, a symbol of victory and pride for the Union forces.
## The Significance of Capturing a Confederate Flag
Capturing an enemy flag during battle has long been considered a sign of victory and prestige in military history. The act of seizing a confederate flag not only dealt a blow to the morale of the enemy forces but also served as a tangible symbol of triumph for the capturing army.
– **Symbol of Defeat**: For the Confederate army, losing a flag was a symbol of defeat and humiliation, as it represented their inability to protect their own colors on the battlefield.
– **Symbol of Victory**: Conversely, for the Union army, capturing a confederate flag was a symbol of victory and triumph, a tangible reminder of their success in battle.
– **Historical Legacy**: The capture of a confederate flag at Gettysburg has been immortalized in history books and accounts of the Civil War, highlighting the bravery and determination of the Minnesota regiment.
## The Debate Over the Return of the Confederate Flag
In the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Virginia army made numerous pleas for the return of the captured confederate flag, even enlisting the help of Congress and the President in their efforts. However, each time Minnesota steadfastly refused to relinquish the flag, citing various reasons for their decision.
– **Virginia’s Requests**: Over the years, Virginia has made several formal requests for the return of the confederate flag, arguing that it holds significant historical and cultural value for the state.
– **Minnesota’s Refusal**: Despite the mounting pressure from Virginia, Minnesota has consistently refused to return the flag, asserting that it serves as a lasting symbol of the Minnesota regiment’s valor and sacrifice at Gettysburg.
– **Ongoing Controversy**: The debate over the return of the confederate flag continues to this day, with proponents on both sides arguing for the flag’s rightful place and significance in American history.
## Conclusion: The Legacy of a Captured Flag
The capture of a confederate flag by the Minnesota regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg remains a poignant and controversial moment in US Civil War history. The significance of this act, both symbolically and strategically, continues to spark debate and discussion among historians and enthusiasts alike.
As we reflect on this pivotal event in American history, let us remember the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought at Gettysburg, and the enduring legacy of a captured flag that symbolizes the tumultuous and complex nature of the US Civil War.
Now that you’ve learned about this fascinating piece of history, why not delve deeper into the stories and struggles of the soldiers who fought at Gettysburg? Visit our website for more articles and resources on Civil War history and heritage. 🇺🇸 #CivilWarHistory #BattlefieldSuccess #USHistory
Discover the untold stories of the men and women who shaped America’s past, and join us on a journey through time and memory. Together, we can preserve the legacy of our nation’s rich and diverse history for generations to come. Thank you for reading! 📜 #HistoryBuffs #AmericanHeritage #PreservingThePast
Boost your knowledge of American history with our specially curated selection of articles and resources on iconic moments and figures in US history. Explore the depths of our nation’s past and uncover the hidden truths that shape our present. Visit our website now for more captivating content! 📚 #AmericanHistoryLessons #ExploringThePast #KnowledgeIsPower
To the victors go the spoils, Virginia. You want it back, come and take it.
Sucks to to you, loser
– Minnesota
The Alamo flag is in the basement of some museum in Mexico City. As a Texan, yeah I’d love it back and we did win the war, but they won it in battle and we’re not giving back the flags we took at San Jacinto.
Never been more proud of Minnesota. Good for them.
Minnesota holding on to that flag like it’s the only receipt they have for returning 1863’s worst purchase. “No take-backs, Virginia, it’s store policy!”
Traitors deserve nothing but contempt.
As a descendant of Virigina slaves, I say good. Fuck the those racists.
Blue team has the flag.
If they try to come and get it, we will fight them off with lutefisk and hot dish. They’ll never know what hit them. The state is filled with old stubborn Scandinavians.
John Brown and his bell laugh at this.
First and Eighth Minnesota paid huge prices
This gets posted all the time but as a Minnesotan, I’m never mad about it. Those traitorous losers can come get it if they want it so bad.
I saw the flag as a kid on a field trip to the Minnesota History Center. Incidentally, I got married there about fifteen years later.
“Fuck off you lost” – Minnesotans
The funny thing is Virginia actually tried to say “Well, if we can’t have it back, can we at least borrow it for a little while?” lol.
That’s gonna be a hard no, as well.
Virginia resident here. Minnesota, PLEASE keep the flag. Most of us are so *done* with this Civil War shit, you have no idea.
If you return the flag, you’ll just encourage the [“Lost Cause”](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Cause_of_the_Confederacy?) diehards, and we’d much prefer they give up and either get with the 21st century or OD on meth.
Besides, the Virginia politician who keeps pushing for the return of the flag is [Corey Stewart](
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corey_Stewart?wprov=sfla1) of Prince William County. Stewart’s an asshole, he’s a die-hard Trump supporter, and he tries to convince people he’s a dyed-in-the-wool scion of the Confederacy, but he was born in *Duluth, Minnesota*, which makes him a Goddamn Yankee Carpetbagger who (by his own arguments) can never understand the “true importance” of Confederate heritage. Bleh.
/rant
If you haven’t read about the 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment that captured the flag you should.
The day prior to them capturing Virginia’s battle flag they sustained the heaviest single day casualty rate in the history of the U.S. Military while charging into a gap on the line to buy more time for reinforcements to arrive. The 1st Minnesota lost 5 flag bearers that day, but another man always picked up their colors to bring it back.
The next day those men returned to battle and captured Virginia’s colors.
Virginia can get fucked. It belongs to Minnesota. Bought with blood.
Imagine if Germany wanted their swastikas back.
I can’t explain why, but [this submission](https://21588026.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21588026/Imported%20images/62531fb03168e775631affabdc8f86650ba3b8ab1747e59a3c49c49e157487bd.png) to the recent Minnesota flag re-design [competition](https://serc.mnhs.org/flags) didn’t win.
The question is, why does Virginia want it back? Is it as simple as racist fucks in Virginia want to hide a past humiliation? I mean, its been 160 years, why even give a shit about it? If another state has my state’s battle trophy, I don’t care, it was taken before I was born, it has no bearing on me.
###Every American owes a debt of gratitude to the First Minnesota Volunteers for their courage and sacrifice.
And no, Minnesota has no intention of returning the captured battle flag of the the 28th Virginian no matter how many times the Virginia Senate or Governor or anyone else asks.
In 1905, the United States Congress passed a resolution directing that captured flags from the American Civil War should be returned to the places from which they originated. However, the blood-soaked and bullet pierced 28th Virginia battle flag was not returned.
In 1960, a movement in Virginia sought the “recapture” of the 28th Virginia battle flag. Virginia called for the return of the flag in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Civil War, but it was not returned.
In 1998, Virginia requested that the flag be returned prior to the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The response: “Blood has been shed for that flag. . Who are we to return it?” The flag was not returned.
In 2000 Virginia demanded the flag be returned as a “matter of state pride.” In response to the resolution by Virginia, Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura stated “Why? I mean, we won. We took it, that makes it our heritage”. The flag was not returned.
In 2002, John S. Brown, then Chief of Military History at the United States Army Center of Military History, declared that the flag should be housed in a military history museum in Virginia. The flag was not returned.
In 2003, officials in Virginia including then-Governor of Virginia Mark Warner demanded the return of the flag. “They’re not getting it. We believe it’s rightfully ours, and we’re not giving it back to Virginia,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
In 2013, 150 years after the Battle of Gettysburg, the governor of Virginia requested to borrow the flag. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton declined, saying “it would be a sacrilege to return it to them.”
The captured battle flag is kept in a drawer inside a cabinet within the Minnesota Historical Society, the location of which is undisclosed for security reasons.
Based and red white & blue pilled
The only reason it’s ok to have a Nazi or confetti flag is if your granddaddy killed one for it