Today, the Confederate flag is a divisive and controversial image, associated with white supremacy. The banner, also called the Southern Cross (a blue diagonal cross with 13 white stars on a field of red), does hark back to the Civil War, but it was never the Confederacy's official flag – that was the Stars and Bars (pictured).

The Star and Bars was not, however, a suitable battle flag, as it was too easily confused with the Union flag in the heat of battle. Instead, the Southern Cross, designed by William Porcher Miles, was used. It was flown by the Confederacy's armies but was never its official symbol.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now uncover the biggest myths about US history

Incredible things you probably never knew about the Civil War