Red Flag Horseless Carriage make its historic return

The Red Flag Horseless Carriage Motor Tour made its return to Southeast Iowa this week.

The annual vehicle event runs until Saturday, Sept. 25.

This event gives owners of Brass Era vehicles the chance to experience the history and beauty of the area over three days.

Throughout the three-day event, drivers will get the opportunity to travel to three different areas.

The excursions typically run from 50 to 75 miles.

On Wednesday, the drivers gathered for introductions and a drivers’ meeting.

The tour officially started on Thursday. Participants took a trip to Washington, including a stop at the world’s oldest continuously operating theater.

Thursday evening, driver’s returned to Mt. Pleasant. They had a designated area on the square to show off their cars, along with dinner. Following dinner, the drivers were given a movie night at the Midwest Old Thresher’s grounds.

On Friday, drivers will hit the road to Cantril, Iowa.

According to Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour Vice President Mark Hempen, this is one of the most extended trips they have ever taken, just shy of a hundred miles.

Saturday will be the signature tour. The trip will stretch from New London to Brighton.

This trip pays homage to a celebration from London, England, to Brighton, England.

It celebrates the burning of the red flags — which were held by men who would walk alongside the cars to keep the speed at four mph — in 1896 when a law was passed to increase the driving speed to 14 mph, and the red flag was no longer required.

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com