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"Dedicated to the Preservation of
Southern Heritage"
North Carolina Chapter
Southern Flags
An Illustrated History
This an internet adaptation of the brochure "Southern Flags ... An Illustrated History" published by the Heritage
Preservation Association, copyright 1996.
No other symbols in American life are the subject of more attention than traditional Southern flags. They have
become political tools used by many organizations whose philosophies are diametrically opposed.
To the vast majority of Americans, however, Southern flags are the beloved symbols of a fallen nation, the
Confederate States of America. This brochure was developed by the Heritage Preservation Association to show the
history and the true meaning of the most well know symbols of the South.
Historical Flag Facts
The Congress of the Confederate States of America (CSA) adopted it's new flag soon after convening in March,
1861. The design they chose drew from the heraldic symbols of the flag of the United States. Their political intent
was to show that it was the CSA who truly held to the original principles of the Declaration of Independence and
Constitution created by the founding fathers and that it was the United States which had departed from these
principles. Thus, on March 4, 1861, the new flag was adopted. It was commonly known as the Stars and Bars, owing
to the circle of stars and three large lateral bars.
This new design soon presented a very serious problem. After the invasion of the South by Northern forces, a
fierce battle took place between the town of Manassas and Bull Run creek in Virginia. During this battle, soldiers
from both sides were confused by the similarities between the flags of the CSA and the USA. This led to needless
casualties. Although the Confederacy defeated the US forces in this first battle of the bloody War for Southern
Independence, the Southern commander, General P.G.T. Beauregard demanded a new banner be used on the field
of battle
1st National Flag (Stars and Bars)
March 4, 1861 to May 1, 1863
A Virginia unit was soon noticed carrying a flag which was an adaptation of the Scottish Cross of Saint Andrew.
General Beauregard relized that this flag would be quite distict from the USA flag. He ordered that the flag be
adopted as the official battle flag of his Southern armies. It is known as the "Battle Flag".
Confederate Battle Flag
The Stars & Bars flew over public buildings and events until 1863. By then, sentimental feelings for the USA were
declining while national pride in the tenacity of the South's superior military forces was at an all time high. In
recognition of Confederate military achievement, the Battle Flag was officially made part of the National Flag of
the Confederacy on May 1, 1863. The flag was pure white with the Battle Flag prominently displayed in the upper
left corner. It was named the "Stainless Banner" due to the purity of the Southern struggle for independence.
2nd National Flag (Stainless Banner)
May 1, 1863 to March 4, 1865
Soon, this flag too presented problems for the Southern forces in the field. The rectangular shape coupled with the
use of heavy cotton made this flag hang in such a way as to almost hide the Confederate flag in the upper corner. In
several instances, this flag was mistaken for an all white flag of truce.
3rd or Current National Flag
March 4, 1865 to Present
So, on March 4, 1865, a red vertical bar was added to the end of the flag. This design became the final and present
Confederate national flag often referred to as the Third National Flag.
The Southern people always believed that their cause of limited government and the rights of the states were worth
fighting for; that the United States government was becoming too big and powerful; that their principles were
inherited from the founding fathers and were worth declaring independence to maintain.
Proudly, many states, after the destruction of their nation, began to display various versions of Confederate
symbols in their state flags. Any study of the various flags of former Confederate states in conjuction with the flags
shown in this brochure will clearly show this.
Two state flags boldly incorporate the Confederate Battle Flag directly in their designs. These are the state flags of
Mississippi and Georgia.
The flag of Mississippi was adopted in 1894, long after the federal occupation of the state had ended.
Mississippi State Flag
Adopted in 1894
Georgia suffered Federal occupation twice for its refusal to ratify the 14th ammendment to the U.S. Constitution.
White Southerners were not allowed to vote during the many years of Federal occupation, but when Reconstruction
ended, they voted in record numbers.
To highlight Georgia's dedication to the Confederate cause for independence, voters elected former Confederate
General Alfred Holt Colquitt as Governor in 1878. In the next session of 1879, the State of Georgia adopted an
adaptation of the 1st National Flag as the official state flag. The bill was written by former Confederate Col.
Herman Perry, then a state senator.
Georgia State Flag 1879 - 1956
(State Seal added in 1905)
This design was chosen because it was feared that raising the Battle Flag of the Confederacy would be seen as
provocative at that time and might lead to another Federal occupation of the state. However, the adoption did send
a message to the recently enfranchised majority population that their chosen leaders were again in charge and
those placed in office by Federal military command were gone.
The Stars and Bars version of the Georgia flag was still flying in 1924 when a very young boy named John
Sammons Bell began attending Confederate veteran reunions with his grandfather. In those days the veterans
would gather each year and hold an outdoor encampment to reminisce about their glorious struggle.
The young Bell recalls vividly sitting around the campfire listening to the many stories. What he could not
understand was why the Georgia flag incorporated a design which was abandoned by the Confederacy in 1863. He
felt it offensive to the memory of the old veterans and was determined to change it.
During the 1950's John Bell, a decorated war veteran found himself involved in politics at a time of rising
patriotism and nostalgia for the Old South. In 1955, the General Assembly began passing legislation to prepare the
state for the upcoming centennial of the War for Southern Independence. Bills to complete the Stone Mountain
Memorial, the largest stone carving in world history, were passed. Legislation was also passed which erected over
500 historical markers throughout the state to help the flood of expected tourists. During the 1956 Assembly, a bill
was introduced to create the Centennial Commission, which began planning the many elaborate events which would
take place during the 1960 to 1965 celebration.
It was at this point that John Bell, now Chairman for the State Democratic Party, asked two friends, State Senators
Willis Hardin and Jefferson Lee Davis, to draft a bill placing the more recognizable Confederate Battle Flag on the
Georgia state flag. Both bills were overwhelmingly adopted in 1956.
Georgia State Flag
1956 to Present
Even though certain "civil rights" groups have started attacking the current Georgia state flag and other
Confederate symbols, no one saw the flag change in 1956 as being racially motivated. Even the media (as liberal
then as they are now) approved of the flag change in 1956. Attempts to link the Georgia flag change in 1956 to
nationwide opposition of court ordered integration have also failed. In addition, all state and national polls show an
overwhelming support and respect for Confederate symbols and the rich heritage that they embody.
In fact, a nationwide Lou Harris poll released on July 4, 1994 showed that 87% of all Americans (68% black, 88%
hispanic, and 90% white) were not offended by Confederate Symbols.
"In none of our research did we find any record of a stated connection between changing the flag and
opposition to desegregation rulings ... Introduction of the bill (to change the flag) was for one reason
and one reason only: to create a living memorial to our great heritage and the brave people involved".
Atlanta Journal, July 5, 1992
Now you know the historical truth about our flags. We hope that you will share our concern and commitment
towards preserving their legacy of valor, bravery, honor and courage. Thank you!
Copyright HPA 1996
For more information, contact the HPA
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This site has been up and running since:
October 1, 2000
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