Ultimate Flags - Confederate Flag America
The American Civil War officially ended at Appomattox Court House when Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union general Ulysses S. Grant. After the war and during the Reconstruction Era, Confederate Veteran Flags continued appearing at reunions, memorial ceremonies, and cemetery events across the South.
People often ask about the different Confederate flags used during the war. Questions include, “Are there two Confederate flags?” and “Are there 2 Confederate flags?” In reality, there were several Confederate flags. The Stars and Bars served as the first national Confederate flag. The Battle Flag of Northern Virginia became the best known military battle flag. Later national flags included the Stainless Banner and the Blood Stained Banner.
The first official Confederate Flag was called the Stars and Bars. This design used red and white stripes with a blue section containing stars for each Confederate state. During early battles such as Bull Run, Confederate soldiers realized the Stars and Bars looked too similar to the United States flag. Because of this confusion, Confederate generals including P. G. T. Beauregard pushed for a new battle design.
The Confederate States of America later changed its national flag again. In 1863, the government adopted the Stainless Banner. This flag used a large white field with the Confederate Battle Flag symbol in the upper corner. Some critics believed the design looked too much like a white surrender flag when there was no wind. In 1865, the Confederacy added a red stripe to create the Blood Stained Banner, which became the final national Confederate flag before the war ended.
Another common question is, “Do people still fly Confederate flags?” Yes, many people still display Confederate flags today. Confederate flags can be seen at private homes, historical reenactments, collectors shows, and memorial events. Some people also use outdoor Confederate flags, large Rebel Flags, Confederate Flag banners, and Confederate Flag pole kits for display purposes.
Different Confederate flags existed during the Civil War. The Confederacy changed national flags several times. After the Stars and Bars came the Stainless Banner. This flag used a mostly white background with the battle emblem in the corner. Some people thought the flag looked too much like a surrender flag when there was little wind. Later, the Confederacy adopted the Blood Stained Banner, which added a red stripe to the end of the design. The Confederate Navy also used versions of the Confederate Naval Jack and Confederate Navy Jack for ships and naval operations.
