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Sharpshooters, Engineers and Mechanics,
and Designating Flags
NOTE: All photographs are by Peter Glendinning. (Dark netting used in
earlier conservation of some flags obscures their detail.) The text and images in this
exhibit may be used by students, teachers and the public for personal and academic
purposes. Any commercial use or publication of them (print or online) is strictly
prohibited. Click on the flag to see a larger image.
 First Michigan Sharpshooters
This is the first Union flag to fly over Petersburg, the last rebel stronghold in
Virginia. On 3 April 1865, after a nine-month siege, Petersburg fell to the Union. The
First Michigan Sharpshooters, an elite regiment of marksmen, were the first Union troops
into the city. They raised this flag over the courthouse, where it was hailed by the Union
as the long-awaited signal that the war was virtually over. The flag was so shot away that
the regiment was given special permission to add its battle honors to ribbons attached to
the staff. This is believed to be one of the first times battle ribbons were used. The
fourth ribbon from the top reads "First Flag in Petersburg." (87.30.89)
First Regiment Engineers and Mechanics
This regiment was mustered in at Marshall in October 1861. Made up primarily of engineers
and mechanics, the regiment did not function as a unit but was broken into four
detachments assigned to divisions of the Army of the Ohio. Before the troops left for war
they probably received this flag at a review attended by ten thousand people and Governor
Austin Blair. (87.111.90)
First Regiment Engineers and Mechanics
This regiment was mustered in at Marshall in October 1861. Made up primarily of engineers
and mechanics, the regiment did not function as a unit but was broken into four
detachments assigned to divisions of the Army of the Ohio. Before the troops left for war
they probably received this flag at a review attended by ten thousand people and Governor
Austin Blair. (87.111.90)
 First Brigade,
Third Division, Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac
Designating flag
 Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac
Designating flag
"Designating flags" identified the command headquarters of army units. They were
often swallowtail guidons or pennants like these. Their symbols and colors identified the
brigade, division, corps and army of the command headquarters. Both of these designating
flags belonged to the Army of the Potomac. The Maltese cross identifies them as belonging
to the Fifth Corps. Blue on white indicated the Third Division; and red on white, the
First Division. The black crepe trim on the Third Division flag may have been placed there
to mourn the death of Abraham Lincoln. (87.158.90) (87.227.90)
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