26th New York Regiment Colored Troops Flag 38″ X 38″ 2-Ply Polyester

USCT 26th New York Infantry Regiment Flag – Two-Ply Polyester

History of the USCT 26th New York Infantry and Flag

The 26th Regiment New York Infantry (Colored) which was also known as 26th Regiment United States Colored Infantry was one of three infantry regiments of black men raised by the Union League Club of New York which was an organization authorized by the US Department of War to recruit and organize black men from New York State for combat service in the Army during the American Civil War. Of the approximately 9000 military-age black men in the state, the Union League Club was able to raise a total of three regiments of about 1000 men each, with the 26th being the second regiment raised. They were organized and trained at Rikers Island in February of 1864 before the New York City jail was built there. The flags which were made by the Ladies Auxillary of the Union League were presented to the regiment on March 27th, 1864 just before the unit was deployed. The two flags presented that day were a national flag (stars and stripes) and the regimental flag which consisted of a blue field with an oak wreath surrounding the inscription “US Colored Troops” and two banners inscribed with “26th Regiment” on the top banner and “God and Liberty” inscribed on the lower banner. After a brief deployment to Annapolis MD, the 26th was transferred to Beaufort SC where they fought in the Battle of John’s Island July 5th – 7th sustaining 97 casualties. After John’s Island, the 26th participated in the Battles of Honey Hill, Devaux’s Neck, Tulifinny Station, and McKay’s Point. They were ordered back to Beaufort SC on January 2nd, 1865 where they remained until being mustered out of service on August 28, 1865. All total, the 26th New York Infantry suffered 145 men killed. 21 KIA, 9 from wounds sustained in combat, 104 from disease, 5 drowned, 1 murdered, 2 from sunstroke, and 3 from “reasons not stated”. A total of 140 enlisted men and 5 officers. By the end of the war, approximately 186.000 men served in the United States Colored Troops, 3000 of which came from the state of New York.

This is a reproduction of the regimental flag that was carried into battle by the men of the 26th New York. The actual dimensions and materials used are not exactly the same as the original flag. 2-ply polyester is the most durable option for those who fly their flag 24/7, however, the decorative fringe is not intended for prolonged outdoor use. It was added for greater historical accuracy. It should be removed if the flag is to be displayed outdoors for an extended period. Temporary outdoor exposure during special events and parades is appropriate. This flag features beautifully embroidered artwork and lettering with rich, vibrant colors. All of the artwork is visible on both sides of the flag and the lettering reads correctly from one side only.

• Heavy duty construction
• Fade-resistant
• Sewn panels with embroidered lettering and details
• Color-matching polyester header with brass grommets
• Flag size: 38″ x 38″