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History of the 7th Infantry Colors
Nowhere is a regiment's pride more visible than in its colors. The colors of a regiment served several functions. Not only were they sources of pride to the individual soldier, but they also served as rallying points and guides during the dense smoke of combat.
In keeping with the precedent set during the American Revolution, infantry regiments did not carry the stars and stripes, known as the National Flag, nor were they authorized to do so. Instead, each regiment carried two flags, which were designated the "National" and "Regimental" Colors, respectively.
War of 1812 Regimental (Yellow Silk)
At the time of the War of 1812, the Regimental Colors were of yellow silk upon which was painted three ribbon scrolls of blue, and thereupon inscribed with the regiment's identify. On our Regimental was painted "The 7th Regiment of U.S. Infantry". The yellow silk Color was what the Regiment carried at New Orleans.
The original of this standard no longer exists. All we know of it is a bill by the painter to the War Department in 1808 when the Regiment was organized. In the bill he specifies the price and color of the Standard. In recreating this Color the Museum at West Point was contacted. The Museum furnished pictures of several original Colors of this period belonging to other Regiments. These served as a basis for the reconstruction.
1812 Regimental Colors
The 1812 Era National Colors
The National Colors carried the image of the U.S. Eagle, clasping an olive branch in his talons, painted on both sides of the indigo blue field. Fifteen stars were painted in gold above the eagle's head, and painted below on a long recurving blue ribbon, the unit's designation "Seventh Regt. U.S. Infantry". Since this image of the eagle was the official emblem of our government, it was deemed proper for the regular infantry Regiments to display that symbol because they were part of the U.S. Government.
Both this Color and the 1812 era yellow Color have the scroll so designed as to be readable no matter which side of the Color presents itself to the viewer.
The Color, whether cased or unfurled, is always under guard by men with bayonets fixed.
The recreated unit received this Color on January 11, 2002 at the Chalmette Battlefield. The flag was painted by member Scott McMahon of North Zulch, Texas.
1808 National
1841 Pattern Mexican War Color (blue silk)
By the time the U.S. entered the war with Mexico, in 1846, the infantry had adopted a new set of flags for each Regiment. This time, however, the blue banner with the national emblem was designated as the Regimental Colors and the blue field above the Eagle was emblazoned with no less than 26 stars, representing the then-current number of states in the Union. Other changes included a ribbon grasped in the the Eagle's beak with the words "E. Pluribus Unum" and the ribbon below the Eagle changed to red.
This Color is a copy of the one carried by the Regiment throughout the Mexican War. From its gallant defense at Fort Brown in May of 1846 to the Heights of Cerro Gordo, and the Valley of Mexico, this Color helped inspire past Cottonbalers in service to their country.
The original of this color no longer exists. In 1861, at the beginning of the Civil War, the Regiment was stationed in New Mexico. In a disastrous engagement with a smaller Confederate Force, the Union Forces surrendered. Participating in the engagement were the majority of the Regiment and its Colors. Rather than surrender them, they were cut into small pieces, and distributed to the officers and men. It would not be until the Battles of 1863 that the Regiment would receive new Colors.
Regimental Color 1841
1841 Era National Standard
For the first time ever, the Regiments were authorized to carry a banner resembling our National Flag. There was a noticeable difference, however; although the blue field had the required minimum of 26 stars, they were painted on in silver and the Regimental Designation was also painted in silver of the fourth red stripe. This is a copy of the National Color which the Regiment destroyed rather than allow its capture. This is the Color quartermaster Sgt. Thomas Henry raised over the heights of Cerro Gordo in Mexico. Though not supposed to be carried in battle, there were strict Regulations against it, many Regiments, including the Seventh, brought these colors with them to Mexico. At the Siege of Fort Texas, when the large garrison flag could not be raised, a smaller staff was rigged inside the earthworks, and this silk National Standard was raised in its place.
National Standard 1841
The artist for all Colors except the 1808 National is Lee Basore of Austin Texas. He serves as Color Sgt. for the recreated unit.
written by: Steve Abolt and Lee Basore
