Flags of the Confederate States of America

First National Flag
The First National Flag of the Confederate States of America flew from March 4, 1861 to May 1, 1863. The official versions of this flag had 7, 9, 11, and 13 stars though some flags were created with 15 stars to represent the Indian Territory and the Arizona Territory. Many people, however critized the flag  claiming that it was too similar to the flag of the United States.

Second National Flag
Because of the criticism of the "Stars and Bars" the Second National Flag (also known as the "Stainless Banner") was introduced on May 1, 1863 and lasted until March 4, 1865. Nearly all of the proposals for a new Confederate Flag had the Confederate Battle Flag in them.

Third National Flag
The Third National Confederate Flag (also known as the Blood Stained Banner) was introduced on March 4, 1865 toward the end of the Civil War. The "Stainless Banner" was changed because the flag could easily be mistaken for the flag of surrender if the flag was not flying in the air. The only change there was to the flag was the addition of a red stripe on the fly of the flag.