Union Flag — The Union flag of the Civil War period had thirty-five stars in the field of blue with West Virginia being the thirty-fifth state.

First Confederate National Flag — This flag was adopted by the Confederate Congress in March, 1861, the seven stars in the blue field represent the states then in the Confederacy. It's similarity to the U.S. flag proved unpopular and created great confusion on the battlefield. This flag was called the "Stars and Bars".

Confederate Battle Flag — This flag was made for use by troops in the field after the battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) in 1861. The confusion regarding the First Confederate National Flag, the "Stars and Bars" on the battlefield prompted its design and widespread adoption. Designed by General Beauregard, the thirteen stars represented the states claimed by the Confederacy. Known as the "Southern Cross" the Confederate Congress never formally adopted the Battle Flag. Today, it remains the most recognizable of all Confederate flags.

Second Confederate National Flag — This flag, known as the "Stainless Banner" was adopted on May 1, 1863. Designed with the Confederate Battle Flag as the union in a white field, this flag was often mistaken for a flag of truce. This was the Confederate National flag used at the time of the Battle of Monocacy.

Third Confederate National Flag — The Third Confederate National Flag was adopted on March 4, 1865. A slight design change added a red bar to the fly end of the flag to distinguish it from the Second National. As the design change and adoption came near the end of the war, little widespread use of this flag occurred.