Lincoln’s Flag Sale and NYC’s $5B Vision: Heritage Meets Modernity

A flag that draped Abraham Lincoln’s coffin, a symbol of America’s tumultuous past, is set to hit the auction block, igniting debates on historical preservation and the commodification of national artifacts.

At a Glance

  • The “Applegate Flag,” believed to have covered Lincoln’s coffin during his funeral procession, will be auctioned on November 22.
  • The flag was discovered behind a bookshelf at the Museum of Southern History in Florida.
  • Auction proceeds will fund a new location for the now-closed Florida museum.
  • The flag’s journey included a stop in New York, where Lincoln’s coffin was displayed at City Hall.
  • The auction also includes other Lincoln memorabilia, such as a painting depicting Lincoln’s death scene.

A Hidden Piece of History Emerges

In a remarkable turn of events, a piece of American history long forgotten has resurfaced, ready to captivate the nation once again. Rhonda Hiser, volunteer president and curator of the Museum of Southern History in Florida, made an astounding discovery that has sent ripples through the historical community. Behind a dusty bookshelf, she uncovered what is believed to be one of the flags that draped President Abraham Lincoln’s coffin during his final journey home in 1865.

“It was an old, dusty shadow box encasing a large flag,” Hiser recounted, describing the moment she stumbled upon this national treasure. The flag, known as the “Applegate Flag” after its original owner, Lewis Applegate, a New York physician and Civil War soldier, is a 37-star banner that tells a story far beyond its threads and fabric.

A Journey Through Time and Nation

The flag’s significance cannot be overstated. It’s not just a piece of cloth, but a witness to one of the most solemn processions in American history. Following Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865, his body embarked on a final journey from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois. This funeral train passed through over 400 cities and towns, allowing a grieving nation to pay its respects to their fallen leader.

“The facts, deductive reasoning and the overall circumstantial evidence allows for the conclusion that this is ONE of the only known surviving Lincoln coffin flags,” stated Jim Ferrigan, a vexillologist consulted to verify the flag’s authenticity.

At major stops along the route, Lincoln’s coffin was removed from the train for public viewing. New York City, in particular, held a notable procession where the President’s body lay in state at City Hall, draped in this very flag. It’s a poignant reminder of a nation united in mourning, transcending the divisions that had torn it apart during the Civil War.

Controversy and Conservation

The decision to auction this historical artifact has not been without controversy. Some argue that such an important piece of national heritage should be preserved in a public institution, accessible to all Americans. Others see the auction as a necessary step to ensure the flag’s preservation and the continuation of historical education.

“It broke our hearts to have to do this,” Hiser explained, referring to the decision to sell the flag. The Museum of Southern History, forced to close due to contamination issues from old fuel tanks, sees the auction as a lifeline to fund a new location and continue its mission of historical preservation and education.

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