This flag, a variant of the Confederate St. Andrew’s Cross design, belonged to the 50th Tennessee Infantry, part of the Army of Tennessee during the Civil War. It is notable for three unusual features: it bears fifteen stars—where most Confederate flags typically display eleven to thirteen—and it lacks a border around the cross, which is uncommon for flags of this style. It is also produced using a lightweight jeancloth, which made this an easy project since we already produce the correct fabric.

The 50th Tennessee Infantry was officially organized on December 25, 1861, from McGavock’s Battalion. It was commanded by Colonel George W. Stacker and composed of men from Stewart, Montgomery, and Humphreys Counties.

Soon after its formation, the regiment was sent to Fort Donelson, where it was captured along with the rest of the garrison on February 16, 1862. After being paroled in Vicksburg, Mississippi in September 1862, the regiment was reorganized and continued service under its original designation. It took part in several early engagements of the Vicksburg Campaign.

Following the surrender of Vicksburg in July 1863, the 50th Tennessee was ordered back to Tennessee and reassigned to the Army of Tennessee. This particular flag was issued during their movement to rejoin the army and was carried into battle at Chickamauga and Chattanooga.

In early 1864, after the Confederate defeat at Chattanooga, the Army of Tennessee underwent a major reorganization under General Joseph E. Johnston. At that time, the regiment retired this flag and received a new standard issued by the Augusta Clothing Depot, in accordance with updated Confederate regulations from Dalton, Georgia.

The original flag was donated to the Tennessee Historical Society in 1883 by Dr. Robert G. Rothrock, who served as the regimental surgeon of the 50th Tennessee Infantry.