The 11-star version of the stars and bars was the 3rd version of this national flag design for the Confederate States of America. One large star is centered in the canton and surrounded by ten smaller stars.

The first official national flag of the Confederacy, the “Stars and Bars”, was adopted March 4, 1861, and served until May 1, 1863, when it was replaced with the “Stainless Banner”. Designed by German/Prussian artist Nicola Marschall in Marion, Alabama the 1st national flag resembled the flag of the Austrian Empire. Representing the 1st 7 states to secede from the Union (South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas), the first version of the stars and bars had 7 stars in the blue field. On May 21, 1861, 2 stars were added after Virginia and Arkansas seceded. North Carolina and Tennessee were the final 2 states to secede and 2 more stars were added on July 2, 1861, bringing the total number of stars to 11. On November 28, 1861, 2 more stars were added to the flag, representing Kentucky and Missouri, although those states never officially seceded from the United States. The 13-star National flag served until May 1, 1863.

The Provisional Confederate Congress was charged with creating the National Flag and Seal. The committee asked the public to submit thoughts and ideas on the topic and was, overwhelmed by requests not to completely abandon the flag of the United States (stars and stripes). Because of the popular support for a flag resembling the U.S. flag, the stars and bars design was approved by the committee. When war broke out, the stars and bars caused confusion on the battlefield because of the similarity to the U.S. flag, especially when it was hanging down on the flagstaff with no breeze. This confusion along with considerable criticism from other Confederates eventually led to the stars and bars being replaced by the stainless banner.

Single-ply polyester is a very lightweight material that will fly nicely in the slightest breeze.

• One solid piece of printed, hemmed fabric
• Heavy canvas header with brass grommets
• 4 rows of stitching on the fly end to prevent premature fraying
• Flag size 3’x5′