Va. group looks to raise major cash for rebel flag

Associated Press – October 23, 2008

ELKTON, Va. (AP) – Virginia’s Elkton Historical Society has raised about $1,000 to purchase a historic Confederate battle flag at auction.

All they need now is to repeat that 219 times between now and Dec. 3.

The flag that belonged to the 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment could fetch up to $220,000 at auction.

The regiment, which fought at Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor and other major battles, was drawn almost entirely from the Shenandoah Valley and fought at the locally important battle of Port Republic.

Though the historical society’s fundraising to buy the flag has been slow, it remains hopeful.

President Casey Billhimer said he’s been talking with some wealthy backers who may buy the flag and allow the society to display it.

Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, www.timesdispatch.com

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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