Cherokee Braves Flag 3×5 Sewn Cotton

Cherokee Braves 3×5 Cotton Flag

The Cherokee Braves flag which was the flag of the Second Cherokee Mounted Rifles was modeled after the 13 star, 1st National Confederate flag with the addition of 5 red stars arranged inside the circle of white stars. The red stars represent the five civilized Indian Tribes that were aligned with the Confederacy: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole. The red star in the center represents the Cherokee Nation. “Cherokee Braves” is emblazoned across the center white bar in bold, red letters.

History of the Cherokee Braves and the Flag

The Cherokee Braves flag was issued by Commissioner Albert Pike to Chief John Ross in 1861. In 1862, under the command of Colonel Stand Watie, who was also a Cherokee Indian, the Cherokee Braves flag became the first ever national flag to be carried into combat by Cherokee Indian troops. Under his command, the Cherokee Mounted Rifles light cavalry was engaged in at least 27 major battles as well as a number of minor skirmishes, mainly utilizing guerrilla tactics. Watie’s soldiers executed their attacks all across the northern Indian Territory of Kansas and Missouri and were responsible for pining down thousands of Union troops throughout the course of the war. In 1864, Watie was promoted to brigadier general, one of only two American Indians to become a general officer on the Union or Confederate side. On June 23, 1865, Watie became the last Confederate general to surrender at the war’s end.

The Cherokee Braves flag is in existence today and is included in the collection of Confederate flags at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitors Center near Springfield, Missouri.

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 with embroidered lettering and stars
• Heavy canvas header with brass grommets
• Flag size: 3’x5′