Divided Loyalties: A U.S. Flag Goes South

History: During the Civil War, some Westminster families supported the Confederacy while others stood by the Union. Mary Ann "Mollie" Huber organized a dozen like minded ladies to sew a large United States flag, embroidering their names across the stars. The flag was flying atop the courthouse cupola on June 29, 1863 when news arrived that "The Rebels are coming!" Abraham Huber, Mollie's husband, hid the flag in a courthouse vault for safekeeping. Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart learned about the flag and ordered Capt. John Esten Cooke to remove it from the vault. The flag was sent to Richmond and has never been returned.

More to Explore: After enjoying downtown Westminster, with its ample shopping and dining opportunities, get back to nature at Bear Branch Nature Center, a short drive north of town. See live animals on display, hike a trail or join a naturalist for a guided tour or program.

Photo Credits:

1. "Mollie and Abraham Huber with their daughter, Margaret, 1865. Abraham Huber, clerk of the Court for Carroll County, attempted to protect Courthouse flag sewn by his wife, Mollie, and other local women, by securing it in the Courthouse vault."
2. "Carroll County Courthouse. The Greek Revival- style courthouse was designed about 1837 by Col. James M. Shellman, Westminster's first mayor." Prints courtesy of the Historical Society of Carroll County.