Lincoln Flag, a Solemn Relic, Displayed at Pennsylvania Museum

The 36-star flag used to cushion the dying president in 1865 has been preserved and showcased at the Columns Museum in Milford.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:51pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting an American flag draped over an antique wooden chair, conceptually representing the historical significance and somber mood surrounding the Lincoln Flag.The Lincoln Flag, a poignant relic from the night of the president's assassination, serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of democracy.Milford Today

The Lincoln Flag, the flag that was used to cushion the dying President Abraham Lincoln after he was shot at Ford's Theater in 1865, is currently on display at the Columns Museum in Milford, Pennsylvania. The flag was originally grabbed by actor Thomas Gourlay, who was part of the theater company present that night, and used to support Lincoln as he was transported across the street. The flag was later passed down through Gourlay's family before being donated to the Pike County Historical Society in 1954, where it has been preserved and showcased ever since.

Why it matters

The Lincoln Flag is an incredibly important historical artifact that provides a direct connection to the tragic events surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Displaying and sharing the story of the flag helps educate the public about this pivotal moment in American history and the lasting impact it had on the nation.

The details

The Lincoln Flag, a 36-star American flag, was originally in Lincoln's box at Ford's Theater on the night of his assassination on April 14, 1865. As the president was shot, actor Thomas Gourlay, who was part of the theater company present that night, rushed to Lincoln's side and grabbed the nearby flag to use as a cushion for the dying president. Gourlay later helped transport Lincoln across the street, potentially also using the flag during that process. The flag was then passed down through Gourlay's family until his daughter Jeannie, who had moved to Milford, Pennsylvania, donated it to the Pike County Historical Society in 1954.

  • The Lincoln Flag was in Lincoln's box at Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865, the night of his assassination.
  • Actor Thomas Gourlay used the flag to cushion Lincoln after he was shot.
  • Gourlay's daughter Jeannie later moved to Milford, Pennsylvania and donated the flag to the Pike County Historical Society in 1954.

The players

Thomas Gourlay

An actor who was part of the theater company present at Ford's Theater on the night of Lincoln's assassination. Gourlay rushed to Lincoln's side, grabbed the nearby flag, and used it to cushion the dying president.

Jeannie Gourlay

The daughter of Thomas Gourlay, who later moved to Milford, Pennsylvania and donated the Lincoln Flag to the Pike County Historical Society in 1954.

Pike County Historical Society

The organization that has proudly displayed the Lincoln Flag at the Columns Museum in Milford, Pennsylvania for decades.

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What they’re saying

“It connects you to the man behind the flag, Lincoln. And I think it does open people's minds to learn more about him.”

— Liz Steen, President of the Pike County Historical Society

“One of the important lessons of having this flag on display and telling the story of the assassination of Lincoln does bring us to a point where we have to reflect on how political violence is really no way to survive in a democracy.”

— Liz Steen, President of the Pike County Historical Society

What’s next

The Pike County Historical Society plans to continue displaying the Lincoln Flag at the Columns Museum, using it as an educational tool to teach visitors about this pivotal moment in American history.

The takeaway

The Lincoln Flag serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the tragic events surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Preserving and showcasing this historical artifact helps connect people to the past and encourages reflection on the lasting impact of political violence in a democracy.