The State Flag of Mississippi

The state of Mississippi has one of the most recognizable flags in the United States due to the fact that it still contains Confederate symbolism. This flag went through several changes to become the iconic flag that is seen today.

Bonnie Blue

The first version of this state flag was known as the “Bonnie Blue Flag” in 1810. It was a blue flag that had a single white star. The name of the flag came from a popular marching song. It lasted for about 50 years because it flew over the short-lived Republic of Florida.

Magnolia flag

By 1861, Mississippi had established itself as a sovereign republic and created “The Magnolia Flag.” It consisted of a white flag with a square version of the previous flag, an illustration of a magnolia tree and a red stripe.

Three national flags

From 1861 to 1865, Mississippi had two flags flying over its Confederacy in the Civil War. “Stars and Bars” depicted a circle of seven white stars and three red and white stripes. It only lasted until 1863, because it was hard to differentiate it from the US flag. “Stainless Banner” was created in 1863; it was red and gray with an outlined blue X containing 13 white stars and was twice as long as it was wide. This flag was later shortened to become the third national flag.

Confederate battle flag

In 1861, the final flag for Mississippi was created. It contained the cross of its predecessor, but had blue, white and red stripes. It has lasted 107 years, despite a bill in 2001 proposing to change it.

As a flag that has seen many revisions, Mississippi’s flag is flying stronger than ever, full of history and symbolism reminiscent of a nation torn apart by war.