Look for your ancestors in this PA genealogy database of American Civil War soldiers - infantry, cavalry & artillery rosters, histories, biographies, draft, journals, letters, medal of honor recipients, prisoners of war (POWs), & pensions of our Pennsylvania military ancestors. Use this free Pennsylvania database to help with your genealogy search.
141st PA State Color
This bullet-ridden flag shows what the ferocity of battle does to a flag that was carried through Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and had all of its color-guard annihilated.
During the Civil War, flags played an important part on every battlefield. They were the heart and soul of every regiment, and were protected at a staggering cost in flesh and blood. A tangible reminder of the federal government, the bullet-ridden and torn silk banners were a source of immense pride to the men in blue.
In battle, the flags were a rallying point when the regiment became disorganized. A usual command was for the men to close on colors. When the advance faltered, the colonel would order "Advance the colors" to inspire the men to follow their sacred flags. A large percent of Medal of Honor winners were awarded for action involving flags.
In spite of the importance of these flags, most state flag collections have been inaccessible to researchers. Thanks to the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee, many of these flags have been preserved. They are custodian of approximately 390 Civil War battle flags for the state of Pennsylvania. The flags on this page are part of their collection which are available for viewing by appointment.
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U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles
A compilation of military records (including state rosters, pension records, and regimental histories) of individual soldiers who served in the United States Civil War.
Historic Newspapers
Read about the Civil War as it happened. Read the stories of PA soldiers killed, injured, missing, POWs, letters home, draft lists, battles, and more.
Special Veterans' 1890 Census
Lists the veteran's name or widow's name, rank, year of enlistment, and year of discharge.
Civil War POWs
Confederate and Union Civil War Prisoners of War
Footnote.com Civil War Databases
Search for your Ancestors in Original NARA Documents
Civil War Records
Original documents relating to the American Civil War, slavery, and the confederate states. *
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PA Civil War IRS Records
Records of tax assessment lists during the period 1862-66. The records include the name, location, article taxed or occupation, and the amount assessed and taxed.
Philadelphia PA Directories
Directories include pre-Civil War, Civil War era, and post Civil War time periods
