Guidon of 1st O.V.L.A., Battery A

This is a photograph of a silk guidon of 1st Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery Regiment, Battery A. This is a machine sewn swallowtail guidon with crossed cannons and embroidered gold lettering which reads "Ohio. A." against a red field. Reformed in 1886, Battery A stationed on civil duties in Cleveland (fires, disasters, and labor disputes) until 1898. Redesignated 1st Battalion, O.V.L.A., the unit was activated for Spanish-American War service (1898, did not see combat) and for Mexican border duty (1916-17)