In April of 1861, near Moscow Kentucky, a group of men stood in reverence while Miss Nannie Wilson presented them a symbol of admiration and love, their battle flag. She mentioned that their company, the Alexander Guards, was named for a famous Kentuckian Major R.B. Alexander, hero of the Mexican War. They knew they would have to live up to their heritage as Kentuckians and their company's namesake.

Those men soon boarded trains that would take them across miles of track through Tennessee and Virginia. Each station along the way offering cheers, food and encouragement. All the while carrying their banner a symbol of their devotion and all they loved and held dear.

Orphaned by their own state government, it would be a long and difficult year. A year that would take them from Harper's Ferry, through Winchester, Manassas, Dranesville, Mason's Hill and the opening shots of the Peninsula Campaign.

As winter came, with loved ones so far away, these men united under their beloved banner. Its fabric bound them together as a company and to a state they passionately loved.   

When the unit was mustered out at Camp Winder, near Richmond, VA, many of their number were missing, having paid the supreme sacrifice and would never see

Left: The flag as it appears today Without preservation the flag will one day be lost to history. The flag was donated to the Museum in 1907 by Captain C.L. Randle ’s widow. Captain Randle was the second company commander of the Alexander Guards.(Courtesy Museum of the Confederacy)

 

their homes again.

To restore this flag will cost $22,000.00.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small will help preserve this banner and the memory of those who fought and died under it.

We need you help! If you’d like to contribute, please contact us at:  Oldkentucky@embarqmail.com

Your tax free contribution, whether large or small will help.

Don’t let this symbol of their courage and sacrifice be lost forever!

 

Right: The museum featured the Alexander Guards battle flag on its 2010 magazine cover. (Courtesy Museum of the Confederacy)