The Confederate Flag of the CSS Virginia
The Confederate Flag of the CSS Virginia: The Stars and Bars were the first official flag of the Confederacy. Although a striking likeness is shared between this flag and to the Union’s “Stars and Stripes,” the symbols are representations of two nations at war; two very different places and mindsets. The Confederate Stars and Bars were flown from March, 1861, to May, 1863 and throughout that time this flag would gain stars at the same rate that the confederacy gained states into their union, until a final count of thirteen. The Stars and Bars were flown as the Confederate Nation’s battle ensign during many battles of the Civil War, including the battle between ironclads, a world-changing battle that took place between the CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor at Hampton Roads, Virginia. A battle ensign is the badge of a warship, worn before the ship enters battle, it is the indicator to enemies that conflict is on its way. This flag is the source of pride for its mother nation and for the crew aboard her; it is a source of hatred and fear for those who intend to battle against her. A battle ensign is always rescued, if possible, from a sinking ship and is bestowed with honor upon a senior officer. If the flag is derived from a battle ship with a particularly heroic history it is saved and displayed in a place where it can be admired and revered. The Stars and Bars of the CSS Virginia reside, for this reason, in the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond Virginia. This flag is the only surviving symbol of a warship that was in itself, a symbol for a new era in the methods of naval battle and ship construction. The Stars and Bars of the CSS Virginia represent a war-ship of world altering consequences.
The USS Merrimack was a steam frigate, found by the confederate army after they overtook the abandoned Norfolk Navy Yard in 1861 after the commonwealth of Virginia seceded from the Union. The effort to completely destroy the yard was unsuccessful and the Merrimack
The USS Merrimack was a steam frigate, found by the confederate army after they overtook the abandoned Norfolk Navy Yard in 1861 after the commonwealth of Virginia seceded from the Union. The effort to completely destroy the yard was unsuccessful and the Merrimack
Bibliography: Nichols, Roy F., Robert Underwood Johnson, and Clarence Clough Buel. From Sumter to Shiloh: Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, Volume 1 ; Being for the Most Part Contributions by Union and Confederate Officers. New York: T. Yoseloff, 1956. Print. Bourne Jr., Joel K. "Iron vs. Oak." National Geographic 03 Jan. 2006. elibrary. Web. 04 Mar. 2012. Quarstien, V, John.. “Proving the Power of IRON over WOOD.” Naval History. 01 Apr. 2012:26. elibrary. Web. 04 Mar. 2012. Quarstein, V, John..”You Say Merrimack, I Say Virginia.” Naval History. 01 Apr. 2012:30.