Lincoln Campaign Flag, 1860-1865

THF154151 / Lincoln Campaign Flag, 1860-1865
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Artifact Overview

This flag was handmade by Lucinda McGrath of Fayette County, Indiana. Her husband, John, carried it in parades supporting Republican candidates Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin in the 1860 presidential election. In 1865, McGrath--carrying this flag--led a group of mourners to meet Lincoln's funeral train as it passed through Indiana en route to its final stop in Springfield, Illinois.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Flag

Date Made

1860

Subject Date

1860-1865

Creator Notes

Made by Mrs. John H. (Lucinda) McGrath of Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

41.133.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Kate McGrath.

Material

Cotton (Textile)
Jute (Fiber)

Technique

Sewing (Needleworking technique)

Color

Blue
Red
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 154 in
Width: 65 in

Inscriptions

In blue field, where letters have been removed: LINCOLN AND HAMLIN
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    Letter regarding Lincoln Campaign Flag Donation, 1941

    In 1941, Earnest McGrath wrote to Henry Ford about donating a flag made by his grandmother, Lucinda McGrath of Connersville, Indiana. Earnest's grandfather John had carried the flag in local 1860 presidential campaign parades supporting Abraham Lincoln. Later, after Lincoln's assassination in 1865, the flag was used as part of an honor guard when Lincoln's body traveled through Indiana. Ford accepted the donation.
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