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.
1865Mar, 4
The third and final national flag of the Confederate States of America is adopted by the Confederate Congress.
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Events on 1865
- 31Jan
Robert E. Lee
American Civil War: Confederate General Robert E. Lee becomes general-in-chief. - 13Mar
African-American
American Civil War: The Confederate States of America agree to the use of African-American troops. - 29Mar
Appomattox Campaign
American Civil War: Federal forces under Major General Philip Sheridan move to flank Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee as the Appomattox Campaign begins. - 4Apr
Richmond, Virginia
American Civil War: A day after Union forces capture Richmond, Virginia, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln visits the Confederate capital. - 6Apr
Appomattox Campaign
American Civil War: The Battle of Sailor's Creek: Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia fights and loses its last major battle while in retreat from Richmond, Virginia during the Appomattox Campaign.