Orange Guard Flag

In October 1855, residents of Orange County formed the Orange Guard as a local militia. The Orange Guard most likely also acted as a slave patrol. In 1861, the Orange Guard rallied to the Confederate call-to-arms and became Company A of the 27th North Carolina Regiment. Commanded by Captain Pride Jones, the Co. A served in the Army of Northern Virginia, the army of General Robert E. Lee, until 1865. The unit disbanded with the end of the Civil War. The Orange Guard reorganized in August 1877.

The Orange Guard flag was made in or after 1877, when the militia reorganized. Measuring more than 5 feet by 3 feet, the flag is silk with a gold silk fringe surrounding it on all sides. The center of the flag features a picture of two women flanking a cornucopia, similar to the design of the State Seal of North Carolina. The banner above the seal reads "Orange Guards" and "Semper Paratus," which means "always ready." The banner below the seal reads "Org. Oct. 1st 1855. Reorg. Aug. 1st 1877."

The Orange Guard flag dates to 1877.


This detail of the Orange Guard flag shows an image similar to that in the State Seal of North Carolina.	The Orange Guard flag is showing signs of wear and tear, both from its years of use and from its continuous display in the museum. The silk is worn thin in many areas, and completely missing in others. Earlier efforts to prepare the flag for display resulted in it being framed behind glass. In order to support the flag in the frame, screws were placed through the silk, holding it to a backing. Today, the silk is tearing around the screws. Additionally, the frame is too small for the flag, so it has been folded over for many years. Treatment would include unfolding the flag, removing the screws, and replacing the backing.