The Flags They Fought and Died For
1st North Carolina Cavalry "Stuart's
Tarheels"
This flag of the 1st North Carolina Cavalry is what
I call "perfection in crimson." I am truly indebted
to Chris Burns for researching and writing the information below
and for sending the graphic of the 1st North Carolina Cavalry
flag.
North Carolina had a peculiar way of numbering units.
The first ten regiments were numbered 1-10 and designated as N.C.
State Troops (the first 8 being infantry and the last two being
cavalry and artillery). This became confusing when the regiments
were merged into the Confederate service, so the 9th NC Regiment
of State Troops was renamed the "1st NC Cavalry Regiment."
The 1st NC Cavalry was the first full regiment of cavalry organized
in defense of the Confederate States (mustered into service October
21, 1861).
The 1st NC Cav. participated in more than 160 engagements
during the war, beginning with a skirmish at Hunters Creek, Virginia,
November 10, 1861 and ending at Appomattox Court House, on April
9, 1865. The 1st NC participated in many of the "great battles"
of the war including the Seven Days Battles, Sharpsburg, Brandy
Station, Wilderness, Petersburg, Appomattox Court House and also
in Jeb Stuart's second ride around McClellan. Although the 1st
NC Cav. was listed among the troops surrendered at Appomattox,
like other cavalry units of the Army of Northern Virginia, it
managed to cut through the lines and escape, thus avoiding surrender.
The regiment was disbanded several days later when it became clear
that it would be impossible to reach General Joe Johnston's forces
near Durham, North Carolina.
The 1st NC served in the brigades of Generals Ransom,
Hampton, Baker, Gordon and Barringer. Colonels to lead the regiment
include Robert Ransom, Laurence Baker, James B. Gordon (all three
later became Generals), William Cheek and Thomas Ruffin.
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