Confederate States First National Flag (1861-1863) - Historical Overview #3710247 (License: Personal Use)

Adopted on March 4, 1861, the First National Flag of the Confederacy-commonly called the “Stars and Bars”-featured a blue canton with a circle of white stars representing the original seven seceding states (later expanded to 13), alongside three horizontal stripes (red-white-red). Its resemblance to the U.S. flag caused battlefield confusion, prompting its replacement in 1863 by the “Stainless Banner.” The flag remains a historically significant symbol of the Confederacy’s early identity during the Civil War.

This image is typically used in educational, historical, or museum contexts to illustrate Confederate symbolism, Civil War-era iconography, or flag evolution. It serves users researching American history, military heritage, or vexillology, often appearing on academic sites, digital archives, or curated timelines.