A source of pride and identity, the regimental flag boosted morale during the Civil War, leading soldiers into battle and flying above their encampments.
When the war ended, the flag of the 62nd Colored Infantry probably waved over dual cheers of victory and of freedom, suggested Linda Endersby, acting director of the Missouri State Museum.
Few three-dimensional artifacts remain from the Civil War era and even fewer from the African-American culture of the time, since most information was shared orally and slaves owned little property, she noted.