Collection Highlights
Architect's Sign
ca. 1837
1953.197
Wood
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Confederate Navy Jack, or "Southern Cross"
Title
Confederate Navy Jack, or "Southern Cross"
Object name
Flag
Date
1900-1940
Medium
Wool, cotton, metal grommets
Dimensions
Overall: 29 x 49 1/4 in. ( 73.7 x 125.1 cm )
Description
Red wool Confederate Navy Jack, also called the "Southern Cross," with a blue St. Andrew's cross with thirteen white stars; white cotton hoist with metal grommets at each end.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Eliha Spicer
Object Number
INV.12314
Marks
embroidered: tag on hoist: "DEFIANCE/ REG. U.S. PAT. OFF./ 2 PLY. MOTH PROOF/ BUNTING"
Gallery Label
The Confederate Navy Jack, better known as the Southern Cross or the Rebel flag, is a version created after confusion at the battle of Bull Run, VA, where both the troops of the Union and the Confederacy carried versions of the Stars and Stripes. The square battle flag became very popular with the troops of the Confederacy, but it was never officially adopted. The rectangular Navy Jack was flown on Confederate ships from 1863 to 1865. Today, the design is the most universally recognized symbol of the South, where it is commonly called the "rebel" or "Dixie" flag.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
