After the Civil War, Maine soldiers “returned” their battle flags to the State House to honor those who had fought and lost their lives in the war. Later, the space displaying the flags changed, with the Hall of Flags taking its current form during the State House’s expansion in 1909-1910. Today, the Hall of Flags is also a gathering spot for a variety of ceremonies and functions.
Joe Phelan photo
The Maine State Museum now houses the original silk flags returned to the State House after the Civil War. At the museum, the flags can be preserved in a climate and light-controlled environment. The flags that you see here now have been carefully reproduced to show the original flags’ colors and designs.
Plaques honoring Mainers’ service during various military engagements hang throughout the Hall of Flags.
“Augusta, ME. Rotunda of State House” late 1800s, Color postcard
Maine Historic Preservation Commission Collection
“No.4 Rotunda of State House” 1873-1874, Stereograph by Frank A. Morrill
Maine Historic Preservation Commission
During the Civil War, soldiers had no radios or other electronic devices to help them communicate with each other. So, they used flags. Regimental or national flags, sometimes called “colors,” marked a regiment’s progress on the battlefield. If the regiment gained ground, the sergeant planted the flag in victory. If a flag fell, it could signal defeat.