Stainless Banner

The Confederate States of America used several flags during the American Civil War. Initially, the "Stars and Bars" was adopted in March 1861. However, its similarity to the Union's Stars and Stripes caused confusion in battle. To address this, Confederate commanders petitioned for a new design, leading to the issuance of the first Confederate Battle Flags in November 1861. The most common design, the "Southern Cross," featured a blue diagonal cross with 13 white stars on a red field.1

In May 1863, the "Stainless Banner" was adopted as the second national flag. This design incorporated the Battle Flag as a canton on a white field. Critics noted that the large white expanse could be mistaken for a surrender flag. A modification, the "Blood Stained Banner," was adopted in March 1865, adding a vertical red stripe to the design shortly before the war's end. The Confederate Battle Flag remains the most recognizable symbol of the Confederacy.1