The flags of the Confederate States of America have a history of three successive designs from 1861 to 1865. The flags were known as the "Stars and Bars", used from 1861 to 1863, the "Stainless Banner", used from 1863 to 1865, and the "Blood-Stained Banner", used in 1865 shortly before the Confederacy's dissolution. A rejected national flag design was also used as a battle flag by the Confederate Army and featured in the "Stainless Banner" and "Blood-Stained Banner" designs. Although this design was never a national flag, it is the most commonly recognized symbol of the Confederacy.
Since the end of the American Civil War, private and official use of the Confederacy's flags, particularly the battle flag, has continued amid philosophical, political, cultural, and racial controversy in the United States. These include flags displayed in states; cities, towns and counties; schools, colleges and universities; private organizations and associations; and individuals. The battle flag was also featured in the state flags of Georgia and Mississippi, although it was removed from the former in 2001 and the latter in 2020. After the former was changed, the city of Trenton, Georgia has used a flag design nearly identical to the previous version with the battle flag.
1861Mar, 4
The first national flag of the Confederate States of America (the "Stars and Bars") is adopted.
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Events on 1861
- 19Jan
Georgia (U.S. state)
American Civil War: Georgia joins South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama in declaring secession from the United States. - 21Jan
Jefferson Davis
American Civil War: Jefferson Davis resigns from the United States Senate. - 20Apr
Robert E. Lee
American Civil War: Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the United States Army in order to command the forces of the state of Virginia. - 8May
Richmond, Virginia
American Civil War: Richmond, Virginia is named the capital of the Confederate States of America. - 6Sep
Ulysses S. Grant
American Civil War: Forces under Union General Ulysses S. Grant bloodlessly capture Paducah, Kentucky, giving the Union control of the Tennessee River's mouth.