Thomaston Cavalry Color, ca. 1800
The Thomaston Cavalry was one of two local militia units started by Henry Knox, formally organized about 18001801. In 1799, the town appropriated $200 for flags for the local militia, which may have included this banner. According to Cyrus Eaton, a local historian, the Thomaston Cavalry marched at Henry Knox’s funeral in 1806, and it has been said they were carrying this banner when they did. Stylistically, this cream-colored painted silk banner suggests that it may have been created by the Portland, Maine, artist Charles Codman, who began working ca. 1820. Whatever its exact date, it is one of the oldest Maine military colors still extant. The banner is currently mounted onto a board, which prevents its second painted side from being viewed. Conservation work being performed during the winter of 2004-2005 will expose the second side of the banner, and provide many more clues about the origin of this important piece of Maine history.Donated to Montpelier by the Lady Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Accession Number: N-3-04
The Thomaston Cavalry was one of two local militia units started by Henry Knox, formally organized about 18001801. In 1799, the town appropriated $200 for flags for the local militia, which may have included this banner. According to Cyrus Eaton, a local historian, the Thomaston Cavalry marched at Henry Knox’s funeral in 1806, and it has been said they were carrying this banner when they did. Stylistically, this cream-colored painted silk banner suggests that it may have been created by the Portland, Maine, artist Charles Codman, who began working ca. 1820. Whatever its exact date, it is one of the oldest Maine military colors still extant. The banner is currently mounted onto a board, which prevents its second painted side from being viewed. Conservation work being performed during the winter of 2004-2005 will expose the second side of the banner, and provide many more clues about the origin of this important piece of Maine history.Donated to Montpelier by the Lady Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Accession Number: N-3-04
