The first Confederate First National Flag – CSA 13 Stars and Bars was in service from March 4, 1861, until January 1, 1863. It was the first official flag adopted by the Confederate Congress and referred to as the “Stars and Bars.” It was designed to be easily recognized on the battlefield and did not resemble the Stars and Stripes of the Union.
The blue saltire had red, white, and blue bars alternating vertically and a circle of white stars corresponding in number with the states that seceded from the Union. This version of the national flag was also used as the battle ensign for the Confederate Navy. It is best known in modern times as the flag worn by Thelma and Louise in the 1991 movie of the same name.
Historical Symbolism: Confederate First National Flag – CSA 13 Stars and Bars
Several different versions of this flag were produced. One variant included thirteen white stars in a circle around two larger stars in the center. This was used to recognize the addition of Missouri and Kentucky, both of which joined the confederacy after the secession of their rump legislative bodies in November 1861. Another version included 12 white stars in a circle around two in the center, reflecting Tennessee’s admission to the confederacy on December 10.
A few dozen examples of this national flag have been documented. Neither Smith nor Marschall claimed credit for this design. A careful reading of the notations in the Confederate Congress flag book by Joe McMillan (link to article) will show that none of the designs submitted were selected and the final design was a compromise created by the committee itself, chaired by William Porcher Miles of South Carolina.