Great reminder Kevin. I despise the fact that my ancestors from what is now West Virginia fought for Virginia and the Confederacy. I live in Virginia and think that this flag needs to be displayed in Minnesota as a prize of victory over the rebels.
I hope no one will be confused by Minnesota's possession of that flag. Minnesota has an exceptionally illustrious moral, progressive tradition. (Just think of Hubert Humphrey's galvanic speech for civil rights at the 1948 Democratic Convention)
I know of some other Civil War flags that will likely never be returned to their origin states, including the Marshall House flag, which Elmer Ellsworth (who captured it) and James Jackson (who flew it from his hotel) were both killed over. Another is a Maryland Union regimental flag which is in- I think- Virginia.
I think the Confederate flag should most definitely stay in Minnesota. But if it- or any other Confederate flag still in Yankee hands- should ever be sent back to its ex-Confederate state, it should do so only after those requesting the flag be returned be made to sign a document admitting the Confederacy was established to preserve White Supremacy and Black slavery.
Well, I live in Minnesota (although I am not a native) and I am an American Military historian. All that said, I think it is interesting that as far as I can find (very limited research) no one here, including me, made this connection to the flag and the 1st Mn at Gettysburg. I like Kevin's observations, I think they are correct and I am pleased Suzanne forwarded the article to Governor Walz. I will be interested to see if anything surfaces in MN about this. I think it is very important link to two significant events in the state's history.
With a state legislature split at 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans I suspect the Minnesota Historical Society in keeping a low profile, even if the historical significance has occurred to someone there. They got into a political tift a number of years ago that casued the historic preservation office to be moved to the Office of Management and Budget so i suspect the Historical Society is a little gun shy of political issues. Although it has been a while since I have been to the state history center I do not believe the flag is on display. As someone else pointed out it is very fragile.
Thanks Kevin for starting this line of inquiry. now you have me wondering about an article for
"Minnesota History," the state historical society's publication.
Some excellent books out there on the 1st Minnesota Volunteers: Richard Moe, "The Last Full Measure," is a favorite. Brian Leeman, "Pale Horse at Plum Run." And a memoir, James A. Wright, "No More Gallant a Deed." Under no circumstances should Minnesota return the battle flag won at such a terrible cost.
Gettysburg was supposed to be the blow that forced the United States to negotiate an end to the Civil War. Gen. Robert E. Lee would demonstrate the superiority of his Army of Northern Virginia — on Union soil, no less — and prove to key European powers that the Confederacy was here to stay so as to push them off the sidelines. The Gettysburg campaign was, in other words, a strategic offensive meant to advance the overall goals of the rebellion if not win the conflict altogether. Gettysburg was supposed to be the blow that forced the United States to negotiate an end to the Civil War. Gen. Robert E. Lee would demonstrate the superiority of his Army of Northern Virginia — on Union soil, no less — and prove to key European powers that the Confederacy was here to stay so as to push them off the sidelines. The Gettysburg campaign was, in other words, a strategic offensive meant to advance the overall goals of the rebellion if not win the conflict altogether.
What Lee did not anticipate was the iron resolve, the ferocious tenacity, of the Union defenders.
My two cents’ worth:
Immigration enforcement, corruptly depraved though the conduct of it has been, isn’t the main purpose of the fascists in Minnesota anyway. Their main purpose is to establish a terror state at least far enough to be able to sabotage the fall elections. What Miller and Trump did not anticipate was the iron resolve, the ferocious tenacity, of Minnesota decency.
The First Minnesota had a lot of immigrants from Germany, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Proud that Minnesotans are honoring their immigrant ancestors by standing up to ICE.
As a Virginian and recovering lost-causer, I say to Minnesota - KEEP THAT FLAG!!! I’m going to email Governor Walz right now, attach Kevin’s excellent article, and beseech the Governor to bring out the flag for the encouragement of his state in their current struggle.
I believe it would be a great encouragement to the people of Minnesota, our country, and the watching world if you brought out the rebel flag captured by the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment on July 3, 1863, "... two companies from the regiment helped to repulse the final Confederate assault at the center of the Union line along Cemetery Ridge. During what later became known as 'Pickett’s Charge' the soldiers of the 1st Minnesota captured the battle flag of the 28th Virginia Infantry. The flag was later sent back to Minnesota as a testament to the regiment’s sacrifice and valor." https://open.substack.com/pub/kevinmlevin/p/fighting-for-union-from-the-fields?r=5hbsd&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay
Virginia has twice asked for the flag back, and twice been rightly refused.
Please keep up the good fight. Good people everywhere are in your corner and have your back.
I’m glad to see someone making this connection — I’ve been thinking of the 1st Minnesota at Gettysburg lately juxtaposed to the violence in Minnesota since reading Sarah Kendzior’s recent article, “a shining mausoleum on the hill.”
I’ve been fortunate enough to see the flag in the Minnesota Historical Society’s collections facility - I imagine it’s not frequently on exhibit due to its fragility. I encourage reaching out to ask!
Are you sure the flag was taken on the 2nd? IIRC, the 1st Minnesota engaged Wilcox's Alabama Brigade that day, and the 28th Virginia was in Pickett's Division, which the 1st Minnesota fought against on the 3rd.
From what I understand the 1st Minnesota’s epic charge was on the 2nd against the Alabama Brigade, capture took place on the 3rd somewhere in the southern vicinity of the copse of trees and the high water mark on the third. This second “charge” would have only included the few dozen remaining men of the 1st MN Vol Inf Reg, I could be mistaken though. Either way the 1st MN Vol Inf charge on the second was very well known by many Americans for the first 100 years of Civil War historiography. It deserves a revival.
Good reporting. I recently became aware of a confederate officers sword that had found it's way to Canada. The Canadians were able to trace it back to it's owner, who died in the Sunken Road near Gen. Gordon, who was wounded multiple times. A few years ago they returned it to the Citadel, where the officer had been a student, in a ceremony in Bloody Lane. I do understand and support Minnesota's resolve.
Great reminder Kevin. I despise the fact that my ancestors from what is now West Virginia fought for Virginia and the Confederacy. I live in Virginia and think that this flag needs to be displayed in Minnesota as a prize of victory over the rebels.
All the best,
Steve
I hope no one will be confused by Minnesota's possession of that flag. Minnesota has an exceptionally illustrious moral, progressive tradition. (Just think of Hubert Humphrey's galvanic speech for civil rights at the 1948 Democratic Convention)
https://davidgottfried.substack.com/p/the-moral-splendor-of-minnesota
Good for the state of Minnesota 👍🏽
I know of some other Civil War flags that will likely never be returned to their origin states, including the Marshall House flag, which Elmer Ellsworth (who captured it) and James Jackson (who flew it from his hotel) were both killed over. Another is a Maryland Union regimental flag which is in- I think- Virginia.
I think the Confederate flag should most definitely stay in Minnesota. But if it- or any other Confederate flag still in Yankee hands- should ever be sent back to its ex-Confederate state, it should do so only after those requesting the flag be returned be made to sign a document admitting the Confederacy was established to preserve White Supremacy and Black slavery.
Thank you for connecting the valor of the past with the courage of the present. 🇺🇸
You are very welcome, Debra. Thanks for reading.
Well, I live in Minnesota (although I am not a native) and I am an American Military historian. All that said, I think it is interesting that as far as I can find (very limited research) no one here, including me, made this connection to the flag and the 1st Mn at Gettysburg. I like Kevin's observations, I think they are correct and I am pleased Suzanne forwarded the article to Governor Walz. I will be interested to see if anything surfaces in MN about this. I think it is very important link to two significant events in the state's history.
With a state legislature split at 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans I suspect the Minnesota Historical Society in keeping a low profile, even if the historical significance has occurred to someone there. They got into a political tift a number of years ago that casued the historic preservation office to be moved to the Office of Management and Budget so i suspect the Historical Society is a little gun shy of political issues. Although it has been a while since I have been to the state history center I do not believe the flag is on display. As someone else pointed out it is very fragile.
Thanks Kevin for starting this line of inquiry. now you have me wondering about an article for
"Minnesota History," the state historical society's publication.
It was my pleasure.
Good to hear from you, Michael. I couldn't be more pleased to learn that this might spur you to write a piece about this for "Minnesota History."
Well emphasis on the might. I am genuinely surprised that no one here seems to have made
I am actually surprised that it has become something of a meme on social media.
Some excellent books out there on the 1st Minnesota Volunteers: Richard Moe, "The Last Full Measure," is a favorite. Brian Leeman, "Pale Horse at Plum Run." And a memoir, James A. Wright, "No More Gallant a Deed." Under no circumstances should Minnesota return the battle flag won at such a terrible cost.
Thanks for the reading suggestions, Ben.
It seems worth mentioning, though arguably a bit off-topic, the latest column from Janelle Bouie of the NYT: “Minneapolis May Be Trump’s Gettysburg.”
Gift link: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/28/opinion/minneapolis-ice-trump-gettysburg.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IFA.brdH.GMpdkFmEeRps&smid=url-share
Excerpt:
Gettysburg was supposed to be the blow that forced the United States to negotiate an end to the Civil War. Gen. Robert E. Lee would demonstrate the superiority of his Army of Northern Virginia — on Union soil, no less — and prove to key European powers that the Confederacy was here to stay so as to push them off the sidelines. The Gettysburg campaign was, in other words, a strategic offensive meant to advance the overall goals of the rebellion if not win the conflict altogether. Gettysburg was supposed to be the blow that forced the United States to negotiate an end to the Civil War. Gen. Robert E. Lee would demonstrate the superiority of his Army of Northern Virginia — on Union soil, no less — and prove to key European powers that the Confederacy was here to stay so as to push them off the sidelines. The Gettysburg campaign was, in other words, a strategic offensive meant to advance the overall goals of the rebellion if not win the conflict altogether.
What Lee did not anticipate was the iron resolve, the ferocious tenacity, of the Union defenders.
My two cents’ worth:
Immigration enforcement, corruptly depraved though the conduct of it has been, isn’t the main purpose of the fascists in Minnesota anyway. Their main purpose is to establish a terror state at least far enough to be able to sabotage the fall elections. What Miller and Trump did not anticipate was the iron resolve, the ferocious tenacity, of Minnesota decency.
I wasn't so impressed with that connection, but I really enjoyed his most recent video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqcXRQyWczU
The First Minnesota had a lot of immigrants from Germany, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Proud that Minnesotans are honoring their immigrant ancestors by standing up to ICE.
Absolutely. Thanks for mentioning this, Pat.
As a Virginian and recovering lost-causer, I say to Minnesota - KEEP THAT FLAG!!! I’m going to email Governor Walz right now, attach Kevin’s excellent article, and beseech the Governor to bring out the flag for the encouragement of his state in their current struggle.
Just sent this:
Dear Governor,
Thank you for fighting for what is right.
I believe it would be a great encouragement to the people of Minnesota, our country, and the watching world if you brought out the rebel flag captured by the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment on July 3, 1863, "... two companies from the regiment helped to repulse the final Confederate assault at the center of the Union line along Cemetery Ridge. During what later became known as 'Pickett’s Charge' the soldiers of the 1st Minnesota captured the battle flag of the 28th Virginia Infantry. The flag was later sent back to Minnesota as a testament to the regiment’s sacrifice and valor." https://open.substack.com/pub/kevinmlevin/p/fighting-for-union-from-the-fields?r=5hbsd&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay
Virginia has twice asked for the flag back, and twice been rightly refused.
Please keep up the good fight. Good people everywhere are in your corner and have your back.
Thanks, Suzanne.
Yes indeed. Thanks.
I’m glad to see someone making this connection — I’ve been thinking of the 1st Minnesota at Gettysburg lately juxtaposed to the violence in Minnesota since reading Sarah Kendzior’s recent article, “a shining mausoleum on the hill.”
I’ve been fortunate enough to see the flag in the Minnesota Historical Society’s collections facility - I imagine it’s not frequently on exhibit due to its fragility. I encourage reaching out to ask!
Thanks for reading, Kristin. From what I understand, the flag is rarely displayed for the public.
Are you sure the flag was taken on the 2nd? IIRC, the 1st Minnesota engaged Wilcox's Alabama Brigade that day, and the 28th Virginia was in Pickett's Division, which the 1st Minnesota fought against on the 3rd.
From what I understand the 1st Minnesota’s epic charge was on the 2nd against the Alabama Brigade, capture took place on the 3rd somewhere in the southern vicinity of the copse of trees and the high water mark on the third. This second “charge” would have only included the few dozen remaining men of the 1st MN Vol Inf Reg, I could be mistaken though. Either way the 1st MN Vol Inf charge on the second was very well known by many Americans for the first 100 years of Civil War historiography. It deserves a revival.
Yes. I made the change. Thanks, Kevin.
Great topic by the way.
You are right. Thanks, Jim.
Good reporting. I recently became aware of a confederate officers sword that had found it's way to Canada. The Canadians were able to trace it back to it's owner, who died in the Sunken Road near Gen. Gordon, who was wounded multiple times. A few years ago they returned it to the Citadel, where the officer had been a student, in a ceremony in Bloody Lane. I do understand and support Minnesota's resolve.
Great story. Thanks for sharing, Mike.