Confederate First National 7-Star (Stars and Bars) Double Nylon Embroidered Flag 3 x 5 ft.

The Confederate First National Flag is also known as the Stars and Bars. First flown on 4 March 1861.

It was originally adopted with 7 stars (one for each member of the existing new Confederacy). Stars were added as new states broke from the United States to join the Confederacy.

It was later changed after public opinion deemed that it too closely resembled the flag of the Union.

This flag was used as a battle flag early in the Civil War. It resembled the Stars and Stripes, so confusion could occur as to which side a unit flying it might be on. (This led to the adoption of the now-famous Rebel Battle Flag, the Southern Cross.)

The First National continued to be used as headquarters flags for units in the field.