Here is a wonderful piece of history! It is an original small piece of the flagstaff that at one time held up the Confederate flag that flew over the Marshall House Inn that was located in Alexandria, Virginia. What is special about that is that on May 24th 1861, a young Union Colonel, Elmer Ellsworth, decided that he would take down that flag. The flag was visible from the White House and was a very visible signal of the desire for rebellion. President Abraham Lincoln sent Ellsworth to take down the flag. After he took the flag down he was headed down the stairs, the owner of the house, James W. Jackson, who was a strong supporter of secession shot Ellsworth in the chest with a shotgun. Ellsworth died from the blast. He was friends with President Lincoln so his body laid in state at the White House in the East Room. He is regarded as the First Union officer to die during the Civil War. His name and legend became a rally point for the Union cause. The flag was described as a "Very Large Flag" some of the flag and pieces from the house itself were taken as souvenirs by people who realized the importance of the death of Ellsworth. This is an original piece that is reported to be fromt he flagstaff. It is mounts onto an old display with an image of Ellsworth in the center. It has his name below the image. At the bottom it has the ancient piece of paper that tells the history "Piece of the flagstaff from which Col. Ellsworth tore the Rebel flag on the Marshall House, Alexandria, VA. May 24th 1861 and was assassinated by the proprietor, J.W. Jackson. Obtained by G.S. Galloway." The display measures 10 inches by 12-1/2 inches. It will look great when it is framed up on your wall.

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