Create Your Own Colors

Flags were important to soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies. The flag meant everything to the soldiers, as it was a symbol of what they were fighting for during the Civil War. It was to be protected at all costs. If you would like more information about flags, before you create your own, visit Teaching Tools.

Songs were sung among the soldiers about the flag:

"Yes we'll rally 'round the flag,
boys, we'll rally once again,
Shouting the Battle Cry of Freedom,
We will rally from the hillside,
we'll gather from the plain, Shouting the Battle Cry of Freedom."

Regimental flags represented the individual states of the soldiers. They were often decorated with states seals and symbols, as well as the regiment to which the soldiers belonged. The motto of this regimental flag of the United States Colored Troops was "Let soldiers in War be Citizens in Peace." To view other flags, visit the teaching tools page.


1. Now that you have learned the significance of regimental flags during the Civil War and the symbols that were used to decorate the colors, you can create your own flag.

2. Create a flag that represents who you are, where you come from, and your beliefs. Use your imagination to create a flag that you are proud to carry. Have fun!