How to Identify Civil War Flags

by Katie Halpin

Overview

Flags were an important part of every combat unit in the American Civil War. According to the National Park Service, they served as a symbol of pride, history and honor. They also served the practical purpose of rallying confused and frightened soldiers on the battlefield, as well as allowing friendly units to locate the positions of other regiments. Flags carried by Union and Confederate soldiers are identified by their distinctive designs and the added markings of individual units.

Step 1

Determine if the flag you're looking at is Union or Confederate. Union (U.S.) Civil War flags had 33 or 34 stars. Confederate flags were either the Stars and Bars (similar-looking to the U.S. flag, but with one white and two red bars instead of stripes and anywhere from seven to 15 stars), or the traditional Confederate flag consisting of a blue "X" laid on a field of red (also known as the Southern Cross).
Step 2

Look at the design to see what kind of branch the flag represents. According to Civil-War.ws, cavalry (mounted soldiers) flags have a "swallow tail" or V-shape cut into the side of it. Union infantry regiments usually carried two flags--a national flag and a regimental, or state banner. Confederate infantry regiments usually only carried a battle flag--either the Southern Cross or a banner unique to the particular state or region the soldiers called home.
Step 3

Read the writing on the flag. Regimental names and numbers were painted inside the stripes or bars of the flags. As the war went on, soldiers began the habit of adding the names of battles that their regiment had fought as a way to record the history of the unit.

1
Most flags are housed in museums or at state Capitols, where soldiers brought them for sake-keeping after the war (or had them graciously returned by enemy units). Contact your local museum or state government to find out how to view them.
Most flags are housed in museums or at state Capitols, where soldiers brought them for sake-keeping after the war (or had them graciously returned by enemy units). Contact your local museum or state government to find out how to view them.
If you've had the good fortune of finding what you believe to be an authentic Civil War flag, handle it with great care. The materials might rip or smudge easily due to age or improper storage.
If you've had the good fortune of finding what you believe to be an authentic Civil War flag, handle it with great care. The materials might rip or smudge easily due to age or improper storage.

Overview