1st National Confederate 7 Star Flags – Sewn Cotton

Sizes 2×3 Thru 4×6 Seven Star First National Sewn Cotton Confederate Flags

History of the First National Flag of the Confederacy

The first official national flag of the Confederacy, the “Stars and Bars”, was adopted March 4, 1861, and served until May 1, 1863, when it was replaced with the second national “Stainless Banner”. Designed by German/Prussian artist Nicola Marschall in Marion, Alabama, the 1st national flag resembled the flag of the Austrian Empire. This first version of the flag had 7 stars in the blue field representing the 1st 7 states to secede from the Union (South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas). On May 21, 1861, 2 stars were added after Virginia and Arkansas seceded. North Carolina and Tennessee were the final 2 states to secede and 2 more stars were added on July 2, 1861, bringing the total number of stars to 11. On November 28, 1861, 2 more stars were added to the flag, representing Kentucky and Missouri, although those states never officially seceded from the United States. The 13-star National flag served until May 1, 1863.

The Provisional Confederate Congress was charged with creating the National Flag and Seal. The committee asked the public to submit thoughts and ideas on the topic and was, overwhelmed by requests not to completely abandon the flag of the United States (stars and stripes). Because of the popular support for a flag resembling the U.S. flag, the stars and bars design was approved by the committee. When war broke out, the “stars and bars” caused confusion on the battlefield because of its likeness to the U.S. flag, especially when it was hanging down on the flagstaff with no breeze. This confusion along with considerable criticism from other Confederates eventually led to the “stars and bars” being replaced by the “stainless banner”.

Cotton flags feature a very heavy, luxurious look and feel. They are commonly used indoors because of their old-world, hand-crafted appearance but can also be flown outside, although they are not very durable or fade resistant with prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. Cotton flags are also suitable for tea staining and/or framing and hanging indoors.

• Heavy, soft cotton fabric
• Sewn panels and embroidered stars
• Heavy canvas header with brass grommets

Available sizes

• 2×3
• 3×5
• 4×6