This flag was hand sewn by the ladies of Orleans Parish as they sent a full company (100 men) of their husbands, sons and brothers off to war in 1861. They named themselves the Bienville Rifles and this inscription is shown in the intricate gold braidwork in the center white bar.

This flag is a First National Flag, commonly known as the Stars and Bars. There are 12 stars on the canton and 2 red and one white bar in the field. The 12 stars represent the number of Confederate States at the time this flag was made. These Colors, as they were called, were proudly borne throughout the War as these Louisianians fought in the 1st Louisiana Brigade of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The flag was saved at the end of the war by a soldier wrapping it around his body under his clothes, to prevent its capture.

This banner, as well as many others proudly carried by Louisianians are on display at Confederate Memorial Hall, 929 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Time and nature have not been kind to this banner. We reenactors, of Company B, 8th Louisiana Infantry, are attempting to give something back by restoring this honored flag and others.

It was honor, courage, devotion to duty and valor that bore these proud banners into battle. We, as reenactors, feel that these symbols of that honor and valor should be preserved for future generations to appreciate. There are scores of these banners of the Confederacy in like condition at Confederate Memorial Hall.