USS Hartford

USS Hartford, original fabric segment from an American flag flown on the American Civil War sloop-of-war, circa 1862-1864.

Two segments, one red and one beige, each measuring approximately 1" x .5" affixed to an 11 x 14" inch print with custom graphics that features a facsimile of an original note of provenance, at 100% scale, from H.W. Polhemus of Richmond, ME explaining "the above fabrics are pieces from a flag flown on the USS Hartford (1862-1864), the Civil War sloop-of-war renowned for its efforts in the Battle of Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864. Originally gifted from Admiral Belknap to Captain Hutchinson, the fabric was then presented to Captain C. H. Reed, whose son enlisted Polhemus’ aid in mending the ag on July 4, 1904. Polhemus was granted possession of these discarded segments for his help in the restoration process."

USS Hartford, a sloop-of-war, steamer, was the first ship of the United States Navy named for Hartford, the capital of Connecticut. Hartford was launched November 22, 1858 at the Boston Navy Yard; sponsored by Miss Carrie Downes, Miss Lizzie Stringham, and Lieutenant G. J. H. Preble; and commissioned 27 May 1859, Captain Charles Lowndes in command. It served in several prominent campaigns in the American Civil War as the flagship of David G. Farragut, most notably the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. She survived until 1956, when she sank awaiting restoration at Norfolk, Virginia.