Starkville’s U.S. Grant Presidential Library Reveals History Behind Mysterious Flag

Starkville Unveils Grant Flag Mystery

In the charming town of Starkville, Mississippi, there’s a new chapter unfolding at the U.S. Grant Presidential Library. A flag with a rich tapestry of history, once rumored to have draped the coffin of Ulysses S. Grant, has found its way to the library after being donated by Renasant Bank. This flag isn’t just a piece of fabric; it’s a doorway to exploring the legend, lore, and legacy that surrounds one of America’s most beloved generals and presidents.

The Legend Behind the Flag

As stories frequently do, the flag has accumulated its own set of myths over the years. The director of research at the Grant Library details how initial claims suggest the flag was carried into battle by Grant himself. Over time, this tale morphed into the belief that it was present at Grant’s funeral in 1885. “Along the way, its legend kind of grows,” making it clear that while some aspects may ring true, others are far from it. The team at the library is particularly eager to unpack these stories.

Roots in the Past

Through diligent sleuthing—scouring old newspapers, auction catalogs, and genealogical records—the researchers aim to uncover what’s true and what’s embellished. Some claims, such as the flag having bullet holes from combat, have already been debunked, but there are intriguing connections. The flag once belonged to Mary Pinkerton Thompson, a woman who claimed to be related to Abraham Lincoln! Imagine being cousins with one of the country’s most pivotal figures!

A Journey Through Time

The story doesn’t stop there. Mary ended up with not just the flag but also a sword and epaulets, all claimed to be connected to Grant. Her son, L.O. Thompson, eventually auctioned off the collection in 1954. The timeline of the flag becomes murky after that. In a thrilling twist, the flag made another appearance in 1999 when it hit the auction block in Atlanta. Bob Dean, the owner of the Eola Hotel in Natchez, bought it with the intention of showcasing it in his hotel lobby.

Debunking Misconceptions

Many also believed that the flag was draped over Grant’s coffin. However, there are strong doubts about this notion. Besides the practicality of such an act, it’s worth noting that the flag itself boasts 38 stars—a design that only became the standard after the Civil War. “As a commander, Grant wouldn’t have carried any flags into combat,” reiterated a researcher. What led to this assumption remains unclear, but it adds layers to this fascinating tale.

A Symbol of Unity

Despite these mysteries, the flag stands as a powerful symbol of what Grant represented. During his funeral in 1885, flags lined the streets of New York City for a staggering seven miles. The librarian who was instrumental in bringing the flag to the library described it as a symbol of Grant’s dedication to the Union. “Nothing is more a symbol of the union of states that is the United States than this flag,” noted the librarian passionately.

Future of the Flag

Currently, the flag is not on public display as it is housed between two “archivally unsound” pieces of plexiglass. However, the library plans to restore it and display it within the coming months. This restoration will not only revive the flag but also help shed more light on its captivating backstory.

Concluding Thoughts

The journey of this flag is a beautiful reminder of how history intertwines tales of valor, family connections, and the enduring spirit of a nation. Whether it turns out that the flag played a direct role in Grant’s life or not, its story promises to be a riveting addition to the Grant Library’s collection. As researchers continue to dive deep into its past, more secrets may soon emerge that will bring history to life for generations to come.