Tap or click the image above to view a larger
version. Prints and Photographs # 1965/36-7
Harper’s Weekly, January 31, 1863, “Attack
of the Rebels Upon Our Gun Boat Flotilla at
Galveston, TX, January 1, 1863.
The American Civil War in Texas Home
Texas Industry during the American Civil War
The American Civil War on the Texas Coast
Texas Conscription in the Civil War
Texas Dissent in the Civil War
Defense on the Texas Frontier during the American Civil War
The American Civil War in Texas
The American Civil War: The Galveston Garrison Flag
The First National Flag of the Confederacy was known as the “Stars and Bars.” By mid-1863, it had lost popularity and was replaced with a snow-white flag with the Confederate battle flag (St. Andrew’s cross) in the canton. This new flag was nicknamed the “Stainless Banner.” The flag’s use was short-lived, as in the absence of wind it resembled the white flag of surrender.
The Texas State Library and Archives has almost two dozen Civil War flags in its collection. TSLAC 306-4067 is an enormous version of the Stainless Banner, measuring 69 x 145 inches (approximately six feet by twelve feet). The flag is inscribed with the name “Major Chas. R. Benton, C.S.A.” Major Benton was the chief ordnance officer at the Confederate garrison in Galveston, and the flag is believed to have flown there.