The Barbrouville Home Guard Flag

Preserving a Piece of Kentucky's History

For more than 90 years, Union Commonwealth University has served as the steward of one of southeastern Kentucky's most remarkable historical artifacts—the Barbourville Home Guard Flag.


Handcrafted by the women of Barbourville in the summer of 1861, hidden during the Civil War, entrusted to Union in 1933, and professionally conserved in 2026, the flag tells a story of courage, community, and preservation. Today, it stands as a lasting reminder of the people who believed this piece of history was worth protecting for future generations.

A Flag Born in a Time of Division

As the Civil War began, Kentucky found itself divided. While the Commonwealth attempted to remain neutral, communities across the state were forced to choose where their loyalties lay.


In Barbourville, local citizens organized a Union Home Guard to defend their families, their community, and their commitment to the United States. Wanting to show their support, a group of Barbourville women came together in the days leading up to Independence Day in 1861 to create a flag unlike any other.


Working together at Hotel Matthews and in their homes, they carefully stitched red and white silk ribbons into a flag that featured an uncommon star pattern—a large central star formed by smaller embroidered stars. Every stripe, stitch, tassel, and embroidered detail reflected the care and craftsmanship of the community that created it.


On July 4, 1861, the completed flag was presented to Captain John G. Eve and the Barbourville Home Guard during a public ceremony, symbolizing the community's unwavering loyalty during one of the nation's most uncertain moments.

Through the Years

1861

Created by the Women of Barbourville

Local women handcraft the silk flag and present it to the Barbourville Home Guard on Independence Day.

Fall of 1861

Hidden During the Civil War

When Confederate troops entered southeastern Kentucky, the flag was secretly hidden inside a featherbed by Mrs. J. T. Pitzer to prevent it from being captured.

1865–1933

Protected by Local Stewards

Following the war, the flag passed through several trusted caretakers, including Captain John G. Eve, Congressman George Madison Adams, and John M. Tinsley, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

1933

Entrusted to Union

John M. Tinsley donated the Barbourville Home Guard Flag to Union College, where it has remained under the University's care ever since.

2026

Professionally Conserved

After nearly a century on display, the flag underwent comprehensive professional conservation to preserve it for generations to come.

Preserved Through Generations

The story of the Barbourville Home Guard Flag is ultimately a story about people.


Women created the flag. Women protected it during wartime. Families preserved it for decades. Community members ensured it remained part of Barbourville's shared history. Finally, in 1933, local citizens entrusted its care to Union College, recognizing the institution's role in preserving the history of the region.


Every generation made a conscious decision that this flag, and the story it represents, was worth saving.

A New Chapter of Preservation

Although the flag had been displayed on campus for nearly a century, time had taken its toll on the delicate silk. Years of gravity, light exposure, and natural aging left portions of the textile increasingly fragile.


In 2026, Union Commonwealth University launched a comprehensive conservation project under the leadership of Dr. Joseph W. Pearson, Associate Provost. The flag was carefully removed from its longtime display case and transported to Washington, D.C., where nationally recognized textile conservator Julia M. Brennan completed months of specialized conservation.


Rather than attempting to make the flag appear new, the conservation focused on preserving its authenticity. Every treatment stabilized the fragile silk while respecting the evidence of its remarkable journey through history.



Today, the flag rests within a custom museum-quality mount and frame that will protect it while allowing future generations to experience this extraordinary artifact.

A Community Effort

The restoration of the Barbourville Home Guard Flag was made possible through the generous support of the GFWC Kentucky Barbourville Junior Woman's Study Club.


Their investment carries remarkable historical significance. More than 165 years after Barbourville women first created and protected the flag, another generation of local women ensured its preservation for the future.



Union Commonwealth University is deeply grateful for their commitment to preserving our shared history.

Why This Flag Matters

A Civil War Artifact

The Barbourville Home Guard Flag is a rare surviving Unionist flag from Kentucky, offering an important glimpse into the Commonwealth's complex Civil War history.


A Story of Women's Leadership

From its creation in 1861 to its preservation in 2026, women have played an essential role in every chapter of the flag's history.


A Community Legacy

The flag reflects the courage, resilience, and civic spirit of generations of Barbourville citizens who believed preserving local history mattered.


Union's Stewardship

Since 1933, Union Commonwealth University has proudly served as the steward of the Barbourville Home Guard Flag. Its preservation reflects the University's ongoing commitment to protecting the history and heritage of southeastern Kentucky while providing opportunities for students, scholars, alumni, and visitors to connect with the past.

Learn More

The story shared here offers an overview of the Barbourville Home Guard Flag's remarkable journey.


For those interested in a deeper exploration of its history, provenance, and professional conservation, we invite you to read Dr. Joseph W. Pearson's complete historical narrative documenting one of Union Commonwealth University's most treasured artifacts.

Download the Complete History