the Battle of Gettysburg Resource Center

United States Flags during the Civil War
Contributed by W. Norton-Taylor

revised 10/02/04

During the Civil War, Union forces fought under a total of three official flags.  It's interesting to note that during the war, stars for the states which had seceded and formed the new nation of the Confederate States of America remained on the flag of the United States of America. Thus the States of the Confederacy were represented in the national flags for both sides in the war:

The 33 star flag became official July 4, 1859.  The 33rd star was added for Oregon which became a state on February 14, 1859.

The 34 star flag became official July 4, 1861.  The 34th star was added for Kansas which became a state on January 29, 1861

The 35 star flag became official July 4, 1863.  The 35th star was added for West Virginia which was admitted to the Union as a state on June 20, 1863.

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