DuPage Museum Remembers and Recognizes Local Civil War Efforts, Heroes

The hosted “Rally Around the Flag” Saturday to raise money to restore the 8th Illinois Cavalry guidon flag carried during the Civil War. 

Re-enactors from the 8th Illinois Cavalry and First Illinois Light Artillery, Co. B gave military presentations and performed drills in Adams Park, and attendees were able to view the flag and hear about the restoration process in the museum.

In 1861, 198 soldiers from DuPage County enlisted in the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment. Beginning in early 1862, the cavalry was stationed in Washington D.C. and fought its first battle in Williamsburg, VA. They also fought in engagements including Mechanicsville (Seven Days Battle), Peninsula Campaign, Brandy Station, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg.

Taylor’s Battery, the First Illinois Light Artillery (Co. B), was organized in 1861. Approximately 210 volunteers from the Chicago area joined and fought under Generals William T. Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant. 

The DuPage County Historical Museum has partnered with the cavalry to raise funds to restore the guidon flag as part of its recognition of the sesquicentennial anniversary of the start of the Civil War. The museum has also started a . The next event will be “Underground Railroad,” hosted by Terry Lynch, at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14.