November 1998

The National Flag of the 45th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

On August 19th, 1862, nine hundred and forty-six men were mustered in to the 45th OVI at Camp Chase in Columbus. They spent the first eleven months stationed in Kentucky guarding Cincinnati and skirmishing with the Confederates. The 45th OVI, who joined as mounted troops with the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, chased Morgan's Raiders through Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. They took part in the battle at Buffington Island, the only fight on Ohio soil during the Civil War. The 45th remained active for the remainder of the war and were mustered out in June of 1865 with four hundred and thirty-six men.

The flag of the 45th OVI is one of almost 600 flags in the collection of the Adjutant General of Ohio, the majority of which are Civil War flags. Due to concern about their condition, the flags were removed to the Society's storage facility in 1988, where they are protected from dust, light, and handling, while they await new preservation treatment.

The Ohio Historical Society needs your help in preserving the Ohio Battle Flag Collection. The Save the Flags campaign is currently underway. The Society, in cooperation with the Adjutant General's Office is ranking Ohio's battle flags based on a variety of criteria such as historical significance and level of deterioration. The 45th OVI National Flag is the first on that priority list. Your support will help ensure the long-term preservation of these significant artifacts from Ohio's past. Individuals and groups may choose to adopt a specific flag or provide general support for the overall effort. Members of The Civil War Institute of the Ohio Historical Society will assist groups who wish to participate in the Adopt a Flag program.