This early Missouri State Guard flag, presented to Missouri State Guard Colonel James J. Clarkson, was sewn by Mary Wilson and Virginia Willick of Independence, Missouri. It is made of silk, with the eagles, stars and banner hand painted. The original colors of the stripes are unknown.
A veteran of the Mexican-American War, the 50-year-old Clarkson was elected colonel of the 5th Infantry Regiment, 8th Division, Missouri State Guard in July 1861. He led the regiment at Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Drywood and Lexington, and was captured by Federal forces in northeastern Indian Territory in July 1862. He subsequently commanded a Missouri cavalry battalion.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30021
