Van Dorn battle flag facts for kids
The Van Dorn battle flag was a special flag used by soldiers during the American Civil War. It was a Confederate flag, which means it belonged to the Southern states that separated from the United States. This flag had a bright red background. In one corner, called the canton, it showed a white crescent moon. Around the moon, there were thirteen white stars. The flag also had a fancy gold cord around its edges.
What is the Van Dorn Battle Flag?
This flag was created in February 1862. A Confederate general named Earl Van Dorn decided that all the groups of soldiers he commanded should use this flag. It was meant to be their official battle flag, also known as their regimental colors.
Who Used the Van Dorn Flag?
Several groups of soldiers carried the Van Dorn battle flag. These included the 4th Missouri Infantry Regiment and the 15th Arkansas Infantry Regiments. Some of General Van Dorn's older units from the Army of Mississippi and East Louisiana also used this flag when they went into battle.
What Do the Stars Mean?
The thirteen white stars on the Van Dorn battle flag were very important. They represented the thirteen states that joined the Confederacy. These states included Kentucky and Missouri, even though they had complicated situations during the war. The stars showed the unity and goals of the Confederate states at that time.
