The Confederate flag is a divisive symbol in American history. For some, it represents a heritage of rebellion and resistance. For others, it represents a legacy of racism and slavery. But for Minnesota, it represents a trophy of war and a reminder of the sacrifices made by its soldiers.
The flag in question belongs to the 28th Virginia Infantry Regiment, which fought against the 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863. The flag was taken by Private Marshall Sherman, a native of New York who moved to Minnesota in 1856. He received a Medal of Honor for his bravery and died in 1911.
Minnesota has kept the flag ever since, despite repeated requests from Virginia and other groups to return it. Minnesota has refused to give up the flag, citing its historical and symbolic value as a trophy of war and a reminder of the sacrifices made by its soldiers.
“We have no intention of returning it. It was taken in battle with blood. It would be like returning a Medal of Honor,” said Pat Krueger, assistant director for collections at the Minnesota Historical Society.
The flag is stored in a vault at the Minnesota Historical Society, where it is rarely displayed to the public. The flag is also a source of controversy, as some see it as a symbol of racism and slavery, while others see it as a symbol of heritage and rebellion.
“It’s not just a piece of cloth. It’s a symbol of one of the most important events in American history,” said Brian Pease, site manager at the Minnesota State Capitol Historic Site.
The most recent request for the return of the flag came from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in August 2023, who argued that the flag belongs to Virginia and should be part of its historical collection. Northam wrote a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, saying that “the Confederate battle flag does not belong in a place of honor. It belongs in a museum, where we can tell its story in context.”
Walz rejected the request, saying that the flag is a testament to Minnesota’s role in preserving the Union and ending slavery. Walz wrote back to Northam, saying that “this flag represents more than just the history of our two states. It represents the values that we still strive for today: liberty, equality, and justice for all.”
This is not the first time that Minnesota and Virginia have clashed over the flag. In 2000, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura was asked by Virginia to return the flag. His response was simple and blunt: “Why? We won.”
The battle over the Confederate flag in Minnesota continues, as both sides have strong opinions and emotions about its meaning and ownership. Whether the flag will ever be returned to Virginia remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Minnesota is not giving up without a fight.
Relevant articles:
– Minnesota’s Confederate flag: A symbol of racism or a reminder of history?, by Sarah Horner, Star Tribune, August 5, 2023
– Virginia governor renews request for return of Confederate flag captured at Gettysburg, by Associated Press, The Washington Post, August 6, 2023
– The battle over a Confederate flag in Minnesota continues, by John Hult, Argus Leader, August 9, 2023