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Thirty-Six Star Flag Displayed at the Ohio Statehouse
April 21, 2021
 
Flag in Rotunda 2021
An historic 156-year old thirty-six star American flag is currently on display in the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda. The flag’s display includes an exhibit of Civil War artifacts related to the Lincoln funeral train and will be open to the public from April 21 to November 14, 2021.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) welcomes the return of the Thirty-Six Star flag that flew over Capitol Square during the repose of President Abraham Lincoln, on April 29, 1865. The flag originally was presented to David Nevin Murray of Portsmouth, Ohio for his contributions to the war effort on behalf of the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Since then, Murray and succeeding members of his family lent the flag for parades, memorials, and special events, including the inaugurations of Governor John W. Bricker and Governor Frank Lausche at the Ohio Statehouse. In 1945, the flag hung in the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda as a memorial for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The flag was donated to the Ohio History Connection in 2016 by David N. Murray’s great, great granddaughters, Lt. Colonel Mary K. Van Tilburg and Dr. Emmalou Van Tilburg. The flag is on loan from the Ohio History Connection until Veterans Day.

Included in this display is an exhibit of artifacts related to the Lincoln funeral journey. These artifacts are on loan from the descendants of Brig. General John C. Caldwell, a member of the Guard of Honor on Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train in 1865.

This exhibit is a good way to remember the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, even though CSRAB had to cancel the annual reenactment events this year. The Repose of Lincoln and the Civil War Encampment at the Ohio Statehouse will not take place in 2021.

The Ohio Statehouse is open to the public during working hours. Social distancing and face coverings are encouraged. Guided tours have been postponed until further notice. The Ohio Statehouse is closed on Memorial Day and on all state holidays.

Pictures available at http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/galleries/thirty-six-star-flag-in-rotunda

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