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.
The first Confederate Flag was the Stars and Bars. The Confederate Congress approved this design in 1861 after Southern states left the United States. The flag used red, white, and blue colors with stars representing Confederate states such as South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. Many people today ask about the original Confederate Flag, and the Stars and Bars was the first national flag used by the Confederacy.
At first, the Stars and Bars served as the official flag of the Confederate States of America. However, military leaders quickly discovered a serious problem during battles. The Stars and Bars looked too similar to the United States flag when viewed through smoke and dust on the battlefield. During the Battle of Bull Run, confusion sometimes happened between Confederate Army troops and Union Army soldiers because both sides used flags with similar colors and patterns.
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.
Confederate Flag in NASCAR became another national issue in recent years. Rebel Flags were common at many racing events throughout the South for decades. In 2020, NASCAR officially banned Confederate flags from official races and properties.
Groups such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy helped preserve Confederate memorials, Confederate monuments, and historical records connected to Stonewall Jackson and other Confederate leaders. Historical preservation efforts across Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and other Southern states often included memorials honoring Jackson's military service.
Confederate generals including P. G. T. Mississippi Beauregard supported a new battle design that would be easier to recognize on the battlefield. The result became the famous Confederate Battle Flag with a red background, blue diagonal cross, and white stars. The design was carried during major battles including Gettysburg, Antietam, and Shiloh. Confederate soldiers under Stonewall Jackson and J. E. B. Stuart fought beneath this flag during some of the bloodiest battles of the war.
