Confederate Marines 1st National Style Heavy Sewn Cotton Flag
This particular variation of the Confederate States Marine Corps flag features a standard 1st National Confederate flag with a blood red stylized letter “M” within the blue field, and was used by the Confederate Marines as their colors during the American Civil War.
This is a reproduction of the CSA Marine Corps flag. The dimensions and materials used are not exactly the same as those of the original flag. The artwork is visible on both sides. The letter reads correctly from one side only.
Cotton flags feature a heavy, luxurious look and feel. They are commonly used indoors because they offer an old-world, handcrafted appearance. They may also be temporarily displayed outside during parades and special events, as they are not very durable or fade-resistant when they become exposed to outdoor elements. Cotton flags are also suitable for tea staining and/or framing and hanging indoors.
- Heavy soft cotton fabric
- Sewn panels and appliqued details outlined with embroidery
- Heavy canvas header with brass grommets
- Flag size 3’x5′
History of the Confederate Marines
The Confederate States Marine Corps was a small branch of the Confederate military authorized to consist of only around 1000 enlisted men and a few dozen officers. However, no more than 600 were ever in service at the same time, and only a total of around 1200 men served in the CSMC during the entire war. The Marines were organized into lettered companies and served on naval warships and at Confederate Navy outposts throughout the South’s shipyards and ports. The Confederate Congress established the Confederate States Marine Corps on March 16th, 1861. The first time Confederate Marines saw action was in March of 1862 aboard the CSS Virginia at the battle of Hampton Roads, also known as the battle of the ironclads. The CSMC detachments that were assigned to major warships participated in special operations such as the capture of the USS Underwriter and USS Water Witch, as well as the sea-based amphibious operation from CSS Savannah to evacuate a Confederate Garrison being bombarded at Fort Beauregard on Phillips Island, South Carolina. The Marines were also used to build and man shore batteries at Richmond and Savannah, where they successfully turned back Union gunboats. The Marines that were remaining in the closing days of the Civil War were found mostly gathered together in Richmond, Virginia, attempting to support the final desperate defenses of the South. Their last action of the war was to serve alongside a Confederate naval brigade in the Battle of Saylers Creek, where they fought with distinction. The last CSMC unit surrendered on April 9th, 1865, just three days after the Confederate loss at Saylers Creek.
