National Symbols

The there are six flags which have or continue to represent the Confederate States of America; four of these flags resulted from congressional action, having been passed and signed into law, while two of these flags came about through popular acceptance.  While it is not uncommon for a new nation to adopt a series of lags as their national symbol during its early and turbulent days, the time comes when a final version becomes the sole national symbol of the nation.  While we should honor all six of the below illustrated banners, the Blood Stained Banner or Third National stands alone as the symbol of our nation.

Adopted by the Confederate States Congress on 4 March 1965 Designed by Major Arthur L. Roger, Confederate States Artillery.

Adopted by the Confederate States Congress, the bill signed into law by President Jefferson Davis on 1 May 1863.

Adopted by the Provisional Confederate States Congress while the capital was in Montgomery Alabama. Signed into law by then Provisional President Jefferson Davis on 4 March 1861.

This flag gained popularity throughout the South. It was the first flag to represent the seceded and independent Southern States. Known as the flag of independence. It was officially adopted by several States. It was originally created as the national flag of the short lived Republic of Northwest Florida in 1810, which extended the Northwest Florida boundaries to the Mississippi River. The song 'The Bonnie Blue Flag' written by Harry McCarthy remains extremely popular.

This flag was never officially adopted by the Confederate States Government. Though the Saint Andrew Cross symbol with stars depicted on the flag, was incorporated as the canton on the Second and Third National Flags. It was created by General P.G.T. Beauregard on 21 July 1861, after the confusion at the Battle of First Manassas. The First National Flag (Stars and Bars) was quite similar as the United States Flag (Stars and Strips). It was approved in September 1861 by General Joseph E. Johnston and rapidly spread throughout the Confederacy.

Adopted 26 May 1863 as a rectangular version of the pattern contained on the canton of the then Second National Flag. Which like the later Third National, consisted of the pattern of the battle flag - The Saint Andrews Cross with Stars.

Adopted on 17 April 1863, and by this time the Confederate capital was in Richmond Virginia. The Great Seal contains the image of George Washington mounted on horseback. The Wreath surrounding the seal composes the major crops of the Confederacy; cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, wheat and rice. The date 22 February 1862 on the seal marks the end of provisional status and the date the new Confederate States Constitution went into effect. The Latin words 'Deo ‘Vindice' means 'God Will Vindicate.'

God save the Confederacy