History

The Confederate Battle Flag –
The Embattled Flag

“This banner, the witness and inspiration of many victories, which was proudly borne on every field from Manassas to Appomattox, was conceived on the field of battle - and on the last field ceased to have a place or meaning in the world. But the men who followed it, and the world which watched its proud advance or defiant stand, see it still as the unstained banner of a brave and generous people, whose deeds have outlived their country, and whose final defeat but added lustre to their grandest victories. It was not the flag of the Confederacy, but simply the banner -the battle flag- of the Confederate soldier. As such it should not share in the condemnation which our cause received, or suffer from its downfall. The whole world can unite in a chorus of pride to the gallantry of the men who followed where this banner led.”  -- Carlton McCarthy 1880

The above oration by Confederate veteran Carlton McCarthy at a Confederate Reunion could not have summarized the significance of the Confederate battle flag any better.

Generally accepted as the designer of the first battle flag, William Porcher Miles fought to have his design accepted by General Beauregard following the Battle of Manassas, then fought after the war to defend his contribution to history. But when his design was first introduced to the public, it was not without criticism. One observer initially objected to its "blue suspenders." The design had been considered for the Confederacy’s first national flag but was rejected because of its asymmetry; the new nation then only having seven states, the symbolic stars of which could not be evenly spaced along its cross.

The Confederate battle flag is truly unique, but not in its use to rally and identify troops. Throughout history, flags have been carried into battle to signify political affiliations, differentiate troops, mark their locations, and serve to embolden spirits and rally soldiers against all odds. Above every bit of ground that has ever been tread upon by the feet of those engaged in a conflict, a flag has been held as a symbol of unity and purpose.

What makes the Confederate battle flag unique is its continued use and later, misuse after the war. Unfortunately, its unforgettable classic symmetrical and bold design has been desecrated over the last century by various radical groups and has been turned into a symbol of hatred, from which it may never recover. Due to this latter fact, veterans of the War Between the States, or more specifically, Confederate soldiers and their ancestors, have been begrudged the honor afforded veterans of other wars. Likewise, the Confederate battle flag has been transformed in the popular conscience into a symbol for hatred and racial discord, belying its origins as an inspiration for Southern valor and honor. Sadly, the current perception of the famous Confederate battle flag, also known as the "Southern Cross", may be marred forever due to simple ignorance of its true history and its misuse.

From the museum’s upcoming book, The Origin of the Confederate Battle Flag …in their own words by Glen C. Cangelosi, M.D.