Save Our Flag

This web page is dedicated to the preservation of one of the most complete civil war flags on display anywhere. In Ionia County’s Courthouse hangs a very important part of our history: the Michigan 21st Infantry Regiment Civil War battle flag. The regiment was made up of volunteers from Ionia and 17 other counties.

In September of 1862 “the ladies of Ionia” proudly presented the newly formed Michigan’s 21st Volunteer Infantry Regiment a truly outstanding hand embroidered silk battle flag. The regiment carried this flag to Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina as part of Sherman’s march to the sea. The regiment played an important role in winning the war for the North, but it suffered 377 fatalities and many more wounded. On July 4th, 1865, the regiment returned this special flag to “the ladies of Ionia”. The flag was placed on display in the Ionia courthouse where it has been ever since. Almost 160 years. But the flag needs to be restored and preserved for future generations.

We are working to put together a coalition of historically minded people to help us raise the $50,000 we need to have our flag restored, preserved, and placed in a state-of-the-art display case that will protect it and ensure it remains on display. Please help us save our honored fans historic flag.