Above are reconstructions of regimental colors bearing the state seal during the Civil & Dakota Wars,
for the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regt. (left), and the Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regt. (right).
Reenactors of the First Minnesota, which fought at Gettysburg, carry the national and regimental colors (center).
By custom, however, only the national color was carried into actual battle – not the regimental color.
Below are actual flag specimens bearing the state seal, and held by the Minnesota Historical Society (left to right):
First Minnesota, Second Minnesota (one side), Fourth Minnesota (one side), Fifth Minnesota (one side)
The eagle-pattern color often formed one side of the flags above. It was standard-issue for Union regiments,
including the Seventh Minnesota, whose regimental color is well-preserved (below, ca. 1862).
Below are colors from the Spanish-American War & Phillippine Insurrection (1898), from left to right:
Twelfth Minnesota, Thirteenth Minnesota (obverse), Fifteenth Minnesota (obverse).
The 1893 State Flag featured gold stars arranged in a "Great Star" pattern.
Most national colors carried by Minnesota units also had gold stars in the 1800s;
the first example below, also shows the “Great-Star” pattern,
which was popular during the century.
For more, see:
William M. Becker, "The Origin of the Minnesota State Flag," Minnesota History (Spring 1992), 2-8 & 41.
The Battle Flags of Minnesota, Minnesota Historical Society (official website).
HOME PAGE DESIGN NEWS OLD FLAG HISTORY F.A.Q. HELP OUT MERCH PROPOSAL
Poor Flags Good Flags Flies Poorly Flies Well Versatility New Flags Alternate Flags
State Seal Battle Flags 1893 Flag Anderson Effort 1989 Effort Oliver Effort