1877 Concentric Circle Designs Flag

Textile

In September 2023, the flag was found inside a honeybee tree located in Section H-1 of the cemetery. While its authenticity hasn't been confirmed yet, it has been lodged in the tree for quite some time. The flag was located in a beehive during the extraction of honeycombs, following the tree's split and fall the previous autumn. The tree's natural antibacterial and moisture-reducing properties played a crucial role in preserving the flag over the years. The flag exhibits significant deterioration, characterized by frayed edges, discoloration, and a noticeable loss of fabric integrity, resulting from prolonged exposure. It is believed that the flag was placed at the grave of a veteran buried in Glenwood, as several veteran graves are nearby. Notably, the flag features one of the Concentric Circle Designs from 1877, showcasing 38 stars, a design widely popular during the Civil War and into the late 1800s.

Flag

The flag symbolizes the military and Civil War history connected to Glenwood Cemetery, honoring the significant events and figures associated with that era.

Glenwood Cemetery Walking and Archive Tour Highlights

unknown

19th Century

Square

English

flags

civil wars

veterans

Flags

Flag

Bees

Concentric

1800s

Civil War

Flag

1-5/8 in

18-1/2 in

12-7/8 in

Red

Blue

White

Vault

Permanent

Exhibition

Dilapitated

Missing Areas / Holes

Tear

Discoloration

Frayed / Fraying

Oct 3, 2025

The textile shows extensive deterioration from exposure, with frayed edges, discoloration, and loss of fabric integrity.