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First Confederate National Flag Photo on Flickr – Historic 1861 Image (SI Neg #20041915708)

The image tagged first confederate national flag si neg 20041915708 dat flickr preserves a rare visual record of the first Confederate national flag in a digital public archive....

Mara Ellison Aug 08, 2026
First Confederate National Flag Photo on Flickr – Historic 1861 Image (SI Neg #20041915708)

The image tagged first confederate national flag si neg 20041915708 dat flickr preserves a rare visual record of the first Confederate national flag in a digital public archive. This resource supports historical research and visual education around Confederate symbols.

Below is a concise snapshot of key attributes for this specific Flickr item, helping researchers quickly assess context, ownership, and access details.

Attribute Details Notes for Researchers
Image Title First Confederate National Flag Commonly called the "Stars and Bars"
Identifier si_neg_20041915708 Used in cataloging and citation
Upload Date (Flickr) 2004 Reflects early digital archiving of Civil War imagery
Source Institution Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division Reproduction properties may require permission
Digital Format JPEG via Flickr Suitable for web use; higher resolution available on request

Historical Background of the First Confederate National Flag

The first Confederate national flag, often referred to as the Stars and Bars, was adopted by the Provisional Confederate Congress in March 1861. Its design was selected to create a distinct national emblem for the Confederacy, differentiating it from the Union flag during a period of intense military and political tension.

Due to visual confusion with the Union flag in battle, especially at a distance, this design was later replaced by the Confederate Battle Flag. Understanding this evolution is essential for interpreting primary sources and museum collections that reference early Confederate iconography.

Preservation and Archival Details

Holdings from the Library of Congress provide authoritative documentation of the first Confederate national flag, including high-resolution scans and contextual metadata. These materials support academic study and public access to historically significant imagery.

The digital object si_neg_20041915708 dat flickr represents a snapshot in time of how such fragile artifacts are preserved, cataloged, and shared with researchers, educators, and the general public through online platforms.

Visual Analysis and Design Features

The flag’s design incorporates three horizontal stripes—red, white, and red—with a blue canton containing white stars. Each element was intended to convey specific meaning, drawing on regional symbolism while asserting a new national identity.

Examining these details through the digitized version allows users to study construction, coloration, and layout, which are critical for comparing period illustrations, textiles, and other primary materials related to Confederate material culture.

Usage Rights and Citation Guidance

When using images like si_neg_20041915708 dat flickr, it is important to review reproduction rights, particularly when the source is a federal institution such as the Library of Congress. Many government works are in the public domain, but organizational logos and donor restrictions may apply.

Proper citation includes the title, repository, identifier, and access date, ensuring academic integrity and enabling others to locate the same primary source for verification and further research.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

  • Use the identifier si_neg_20041915708 for precise citation and tracking
  • Verify public domain status and any institutional restrictions before reuse
  • Access the highest available resolution through the source institution’s services
  • Contextualize the flag within the broader history of Confederate iconography

FAQ

Reader questions

What does si_neg_20041915708 refer to in this context?

It is a catalog identifier used by the repository to track and retrieve the specific digital file of the first Confederate national flag on Flickr.

Why is this image hosted on Flickr if it is from the Library of Congress? Flickr is used as an open-access delivery channel to broaden discoverability, support educational use, and engage a global audience with digitized historical materials. Can I use this image in my research paper without permission?

Works by the U.S. government are generally in the public domain, but you should verify any donor restrictions and cite the repository and source according to standard academic guidelines.

How can I obtain a higher-resolution version for publication?

Contact the hosting institution’s imaging services or check the repository site for download options and any associated licensing or fees.

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