Confederate Battle Flag: History, Design, and Symbolism #2242176 (License: Personal Use)

This image shows the Confederate battle flag, officially known as the Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia, adopted in 1861. Its design consists of a red field with a blue diagonal cross (saltire) bordered in white and bearing 13 white five-pointed stars, symbolizing the original Confederate states plus those that considered secession. Though never the official national flag of the Confederacy, it became the most widely recognized emblem of the Southern cause.

Used in historical articles, museum exhibits, educational resources, and discussions about U.S. Civil War symbolism; often appears in contexts addressing heritage, racism, or memorialization debates. Matches user intent for historical research, academic study, or cultural analysis.