United States Colored Troops Flag

This painted silk 35-star flag was the national color of the 84th Regiment of Infantry, United States Colored Troops. The unit was organized in April 1864, drawing from and expanding African American units formed by the Union Army after taking New Orleans in 1862. The flag lists several engagements that the soldiers of the 84th participated in, largely during the Red River campaign of 1864. The unit mustered out of service in New Orleans in March 1866. By then, a number of soldiers had transferred in from other units, so the flag lists White's Ranch, Texas -- recognized as one of the last battles of the Civil War, fought nearly a month after Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox in April 1865 -- because some members of the unit had been part of other regiments that fought there. As a result, the flag reflects the service and commitment of Black soldiers to the very end of the Civil War.