The "Great Star" pattern on this Civil War example was used in the canton of the U.S. flag from 1818 till the end of the Civil War. It was originally used on the 20 star flag. It was predominantly found in New England and became the offiical style of the flags of the merchant marine. The pattern was used until the beginng of the 20th century, when a new flag resolution was passed. This resolution restricted the design of the U.S. flag to the more common straight ranks style.