Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Understanding Regimental Flag Design

2. Hornet’s Nest Flag

3. Second New Hampshire Regiment Flag

4. Battle of White Plains Flag

5. Pulaski Legion Banner

6. Bucks of America Flag

7. Commander-in-Chief’s Guard Flag

8. Trumbull American Flag

9. Powder Horns

10. Flag of the United States of America

End

Powder Horns

Many soldiers took up engraving powder horns while waiting for orders. They carved horns with engravers, needles, or small knives, then rubbed with grease, wax, or ash to make the linework pop against the light color of the horn. These two intricately carved horns show emblems like Great Britain’s coat of arms, maps and illustrations of forts and cities.

Often personalized and engraved by the owner, powder horns were made from hollowed-out cattle horns to make a waterproof container for highly volatile gun powder. These were very personal pieces of equipment for the soldiers, with engravings featuring important details in their lives. Also understood as pieces of folk art, powder horns showcase many of the same imagery we find on flags that shaped early American identity.