16th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, two flags?

Question

I'm about to draw the Civil War flag of the 16th Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry. I found two versions. One is dark blue with a large gold eagle (NPS shows this one). The other is a national-style flag with the regiment name and battle honors embroidered in the stripes; this one is from the Wisconsin Veteran's Museum website. Both seem like credible sources. Are both flags correct?

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/national-flag-of-the-16th-wisconsin.htm

https://wisvetsmuseum.com/16th-wisconsin-infantry-regiment/

I know much more about Confederate flags than I do about the Union. For example, the styles of many Confederate flags changed significantly around 1863 when many of the stars and bars were replaced by the Saltire/St. Andrews cross versions.

Would both of the aforementioned flags be correct for the 16th Wisconsin?

Answer 1

Easily two flags per regiment. The flags you're linking are a National Colors with decorations specific to the 16th. A regimental color, again specific to the 16th. During the civil war it was common for the ladies of the regiment, wives, girlfriends, daughters to make the regimental flag. In camp and on the march these two flags identify the headquarters. Each sub group of the,regiment the 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions would also have their own colors and standards down to the company level with a national color and a company guidon, swallow tail flag to each company.

As they are both associated with the 16th you could display them crossed. Looking at the flags the US flag is upper left and it's staff is in front of the other flag.

Tigger

Comments

Thanks Tigger.