Hilliard’s Legion Battle Flag

Hilliard’s Legion, also referred to as Hilliard’s Alabama Legion was unlike most Confederate Civil War military units. It was a combined force, utilizing infantry, cavalry, and artillery all in the same group. On April 24th, 1862, Colonel Henry Washington Hilliard was authorized to raise the legion in Montgomery, Alabama. Consisting of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd infantry battalions, the 4th artillery battalion, and the 5th cavalry battalion. The nearly 3000 men of Hilliard’s Legion were organized on June 25th, 1862. The Legion was initially sent to eastern Tennessee to fight in the siege of Cumberland Gap. After Cumberland Gap, the cavalry battalion was detached and reassigned. In April 1863, the unit fought in the Battle of Chickamauga, where it suffered heavy losses. 45% of the 902 men engaged were either killed or wounded. After Chickamauga, Hilliard’s Legion continued to Missionary Ridge, guarding the approaches to Chattanooga. On November 25th, 1863 the Legion was disbanded and the remaining men of the 1st and 3rd battalions were reassigned. Three of the remaining companies of the 1st Battalion became the 23rd Alabama Sharpshooters. The 2nd Infantry Battalion and the 4th Artillery Battalion became the 59th Alabama Infantry Regiment. Four companies of the 1st and 3rd battalions became the 60th Alabama Infantry Regiment.

The flag of Hilliard’s Legion

The flag was reportedly made from the wedding trousseau of Mrs. Henry W. Hilliard and presented to Hilliard’s Legion in June 1862. Hilliard’s Legion is claimed to have been the first among the regiments they were brigaded with to have placed their flag on the Union works at Chickamauga where it was shot through by 83 bullets. The color bearer, Robert Y. Hiett, was promoted to lieutenant for his gallantry. After the Legion was divided in November of 1863, the flag was retained by Colonel John W. A. Sanford of the 60th Alabama Infantry. At some point, Sanford gave the flag to Private John B. Fuller, and Fuller’s son, Paul B. Fuller, donated the flag to the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The flag was received by the Department on July 26, 1963.

This is a reproduction of Hilliard’s Legion battle flag. The actual dimensions and materials are not the same as the original flag. The artwork is visible on both sides. The lettering reads correctly from one side only.