History of Bonnie Blue flag in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

The Bonnie Blue flag, featuring a single white five-pointed star on a blue field, is historically associated with the Republic of Texas, the Republic of West Florida, and the Confederate States of America during the early days of the American Civil War. Originating as early as 1810, it's recognized as the first 'lone star' flag in U.S. history. While its specific origins remain somewhat obscure, it gained prominence as a symbol of secession and Southern identity during the lead-up to and commencement of the Civil War.

1936: Bonnie Blue Flag exhibited at Texas Centennial Exposition

In 1936, A Bonnie Blue Flag that had been carried by the Confederate 3rd Texas Cavalry, was exhibited as part of the Texas Centennial Exposition.

1936: Bonnie Blue Nickname in "Gone with the Wind" Novel

In Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel "Gone with the Wind", Rhett Butler nicknames his newborn daughter "Bonnie Blue" after Melanie Wilkes remarks that her eyes will be "as blue as the bonnie blue flag."

Gone with the Wind

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1939: "Gone with the Wind" Film Features Bonnie Blue Reference

In the 1939 film adaptation of "Gone with the Wind", Rhett Butler nicknames his newborn daughter "Bonnie Blue" after Melanie Wilkes remarks that her eyes will be "as blue as the bonnie blue flag."

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2003: Bonnie Blue Flag in "Gods and Generals" Film

In 2003, both the Bonnie Blue flag and the song associated with it appeared in the film "Gods and Generals".

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2006: Louisiana Links Bonnie Blue to West Florida Banner

In 2006, Louisiana formally recognized the Bonnie Blue flag's connection to the Republic of West Florida by passing a law designating it as "the official flag of the Republic of West Florida Historic Region".

2007: Bonnie Blue Flag Sold at Auction

In 2007, one of six known Bonnie Blue flags from the Civil War era, which had been carried by the Confederate 3rd Texas Cavalry and exhibited at the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, was sold at auction for US$47,800.

2012: Derek Warfield Releases "Bonnie Blue Flag" Album

In 2012, Irish folk singer Derek Warfield released an album called "Bonnie Blue Flag", celebrating the Confederate Army and particularly the Irish people who fought for the Confederacy.