1 - Mahan Hall

U.S. Navy Trophy Flag Collection

Detail from: "USS Constitution vs. HMS Guerriere, In Action"
(Michele F. Corne 1752-1845) From the USNA Museum collection.
The captured British Union flag (center, top) is displayed in Mahan Hall.

Congress in 1814 legislated that all flags captured from an enemy in war by the U.S. Navy would be preserved and sent to Washington. By order of the President this collection was relocated to the Naval Academy in 1849 as an educational and inspirational tool.

Twenty-five historic flags captured in the War of 1812 are shown in glass cases in Mahan Hall lobby and in the gallery of the auditorium, including the only captured Royal Standard.

Mahan Hall, named for Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, USNA Class of 1859, served as the Academy's library from 1907 to 1973.

"Seas, Lakes and Bay: The Naval War of 1812" exhibition will be featured on the second floor from April 1 to November 3, 2013.