Flags of the Confederacy
The Bonnie Blue Flag
The unofficial first flag of the Confederacy. Though never adopted by the CSA, this flag was "first" in the hearts of the people.
The First Official Flag of the Confederacy
Although less well known than the "Confederate Battle Flags", the Stars and Bars was used as the official first flag of the Confederacy from March 1861 to May of 1863. The pattern and colors of this flag did not distinguish it sharply from the Stars and Stripes of the Union. Consequently, considerable confusion was caused on the battlefield. The seven stars represent the original Confederate States to succeed from the Union:
South Carolina (December 20, 1860)
Mississippi (January 9, 1981)
Florida (January 10, 1861)
Alabama (January 11, 1861)
Georgia (January 19, 1861)
Louisiana (January 26, 1861)
Texas (February 1, 1861)
The Second Official Flag of the Confederacy
On May 1st, 1863, a second design was adopted, placing the Battle Flag (also known as the "Southern Cross") as the canton on a white field. This flag was easily mistaken for a white flag of surrender especially when the air was calm and the flag hung limply. Efforts to secede failed in Kentucky and Missouri though those states were represented by two of the stars. *(see note below)
The flag now had 13 stars having been joined officially by four more states:
Virginia (April 17, 1861)
Arkansas (May 6, 1861)
Tennessee (May 7, 1861)
North Carolina (May 21, 1861)
The Third Official Flag of the Confederacy
On March 4th, 1865, a short time before the collapse of the Confederacy, a third pattern was adapted; a broad bar of red was placed on the fly end of the white field.
The Confederate Battle Flag
The best-known Confederate flag was the Battle Flag, the familiar "Southern Cross". It was carried by Confederate troops in the field. The Stars represented the eleven states actually in the Confederacy plus Kentucky and Missouri*. This flag was in no way a symbol of oppression. It was used to distinguish the Confederate troops from the Union troops.
The Confederate Navy Jack
Used as a navy jack at sea from 1863 onward. This flag has become the generally recognized symbol of the South.
* Both Missouri and Kentucky had representatives in the CSA and USA national legislatures. They both had designated units in the national armies of each country. Both the CSA and USA national governments recognized them as part of their respective countries. The only reason the two states were considered a part of the USA is that they were occupied by invading USA troops.
Original background graphics and design by Elaine Randall English.
Copyright ã Elaine Randall English, 2000-2006
