Whole plate oval albumen of the colors of the 75th New York Infantry. On period mount and period oval gilt frame.

Large and wonderful Civil War albumen photograph of the colors of the 75th New York Infantry. The regiment’s heavily tattered national colors seem to hang by literal threads, while their state flag exhibits substantial wear. The 75th New York, also known as the 2nd Auburn Regiment, was in service from late 1861 through the conclusion of hostilities nearly four years later. During that time, the flags shown here were flown at battles such as Port Hudson, Winchester, and Cedar Creek. The national flag is likely the same flag presented to the regiment by the ladies of Auburn before the regiment went off to war.

Veterans on furlough brought this flag, now tattered, home with them in 1864; this may be when the photograph was made. Despite its condition, the flag returned to the field where it flew until the surrender of the Confederate Army. Its remnants are held in the collection of the New York State Museum.

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