Senator Farley Notes Civil War Exhibits

As the United States of America commemorates the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) says a new exhibit at the State Capitol focuses on the New York flags that were flown during the Civil War.

Located on the second floor of the Capitol in Albany, there are eight flags on display, Senator Farley said. Called "1861: Banners for Glory," the flags will be on display through June 2012. The flags have undergone restorations by staff from the New York State Military Museum. "Viewing these flags helps bring history to life," Senator Farley said. "This display is not only for Civil War enthusiasts but also a great educational opportunity for those visiting the Capitol as part of a family outing."

While visiting the flag exhibit, constituents can also take a walk outside on the Capitol grounds and see the General Philip Henry Sheridan statue. According to the State’s Office of General Services website, "Sheridan (1831-1888) was one of the most celebrated heroes of the Civil War. He was commander of the Union Army of the Shenandoah Valley, and is best remembered for a historic twenty-mile gallop on his famous horse Rienze to rally his retreating troops to victory at Cedar Creek, Virginia. Backed by infantry, his cavalry command also blocked Lee’s escape at Appomattox. After the Civil War, Sheridan remained in the regular army, and served as commander-in-chief for the last five years of his life. While growing up, he lived with his family in Albany for about two years."

For more information on visiting the Capitol, Empire State Plaza and other State memorials in Albany, visit the website http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/plaza/ Or call (518) 474-2418.

Senator Farley said for those who are unable to visit the flag exhibit in person, they can access information on battle flags in general at the State Military Museum’s website at http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/mil-hist.htm According to the Museum, it "owns the largest collection of state battle flags in the country and the largest collection of Civil War flags in the world. Of the over 1700 flags in the collection, more than 60% are from the Civil War. The flags date from the War of 1812 through the 1991 Gulf War."

"The Museum is located in Saratoga and also has many great educational and historical displays," Senator Farley said. "It is a nice day trip for families and a great educational opportunity for children." For hours and admission information, call the Museum at (518) 581-5100.The Senator suggests that when visiting Saratoga, tourists and residents should also visit Grant Cottage State Historic Site, located in nearby Wilton. Before becoming 18th president of the United States, General Ulysses S. Grant was an officer for the Union Army and played a vital role in the Civil War. He spent the last six weeks of his life at this cottage finishing his memoirs before dying on July 23, 1885. The building still contains original furnishings, decorations and some of Grant’s personal effects. For more information, visit the website http://www.grantcottage.org/ Or call (518) 584-4353.

Senator Farley represents Fulton, Montgomery, Schenectady and half of Saratoga Counties in the New York State Senate. "I encourage both tourists and residents alike to visit these Counties for there are some wonderful local tourism opportunities there. Filled with history, architectural treasures and natural beauty, this region offers many interesting attractions."

For more information on this region, call the Chamber of Commerces at: (800) 676-3858 (Fulton); 842-8200 (Montgomery); 584-3255 (Saratoga); and (800) 962-8007 (Schenectady). For more information on Civil War exhibits and events throughout the State, call (800) CALL-NYS or visit the State tourism websites at http://www.iloveny.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/iloveny