Flag of the Confederate Coast Guard?

Ensign of Confederate Revenue Cutter Service
or would've been "Confederate Coast Guard"

This is probably the least known of Confederate Flags. The flag of the Confederate Revenue Service - also called the Confederate Revenue Marine. Before the War Between the States the US Revenue Cutter Service was the old name of the US Coast Guard - established by Alexander Hamilton on August 4, 1790.

The US Revenue Cutter Service changed her name when she 'married' the US Life Saving Service in 1915. The US Life Saving Service was created in 1848 by a Jersey Congressman - William A. Newell originally born in Ohio.

Flag of Union Revenue Cutter Service
since 1799 & US Coast Guard in 1915

Arms of the US Life Saving Service
Created in 1848 - joined forces with
US Revenue Cutter Service that became
US Coast Guard in 1915


Thus from a certain point of view, the banner of the Confederate Revenue Cutter Service is the flag of the "Confederate Coast Guard."

The Union Revenue Cutter Service had her own flag that was created in 1799. Naturally, the South was obligated to create a new Revenue Cutter Service Flag upon secession.

One more interesting fact, just before the US Civil War in 1853 - the USRC Jefferson Davis was launched. She was named and launched under president Pierce. The USRC Jefferson Davis was then named in honor of the Secretary of War - who later rose to the highest office in the Confederacy.

Model of USRC Jefferson Davisin Seattle Coast Guard Museum

The USRC Jefferson Davis did not participate in the Civil War but did suppress a Native American Rebellion in the North Pacific. During her 'action' she would have flown what is now known as the US Coast Guard Flag. The poetic irony is that the Jefferson Davis went to war with Washington. Washington Territory that is to suppress a Native American rebellion, just before Washington DC went to war with an American Native - President Jefferson Davis. Washington Territory was also created in 1853 like the USRC Jefferson Davis, as Jefferson Davis is the would be George Washington of the Confederacy.

Also note that the US Coast Guard uses a different flag when marching on parade or on land. You would normally only see the 16 vertically striped Coast Guard flag at sea.

Learn More about the US Revenue and Cutter Service and the Confederate version here at US Military.com

US Civil War 150 Ago Today - part 3

US Naval Academy Flag & Capricorn

A Flag of the US Naval Academy
with Goat Mascot

The mascot of the US Naval Academy is a goat. Subsequently it has become an emblem on the US Naval Academy's Flag.

It may seem odd that the Navy would choose such an animal that has little propensity for the water. But before the industrial revolution ships that went out to sea carried livestock - and goats were one of the many land lubbers that accompanied blue water fleets.

Furthermore the goat aka Capricorn has the magical ability to become a mermaid goat. Capricorn is a sign of the Zodiac that has two morphs - the goat and mermaid goat. Thus "the goat" is an appropriate symbol of the US Navy.

Modified Flag of US Naval Academy
when the goat gets his legs wet - look out!

The Goat is jumping towards the sinister-left side. The colours of the US Navy are dark blue and yellow.

January the month of Capricorn - mostly.

At Navy FootBall Games - Bill Gets Ready to Rise the Crowd

Can you dedicate yourself to honor, courage, and commitment?
visit the US Naval Academy Here

Battle Flag of the of the first shot - US Civil War - 150 years later

Fact Panel at the Citadel
Museum Charleston, South Carolina

Many history books declare that the US Civil War started on April 12, 1861. Indeed it was the first clash of Northern and Southern Military Units. However the 'first shot' of the War Between the States, after a US State had removed herself from the Union, took place 150 years ago, today. Mississippi also left the Union on this date.

Current State Flag of Mississippi

Although the Confederacy was still in the works 'a military unit in rebellion' commenced hostile and deadly force against a 'foreign Union Ship' - under president Buchanan.

The cadets at the original citadel in Charleston, South Carolina opened fire upon the Star of the West. South Carolina left the union the previous year on December 20, 1860. From South Carolina's point of view The Star of the West was a foreign ship and trespassed into her waters.

Art work at the new Citadel Academy
illustrating the first shot of the 'Civil War'

During the 'opening shot' of the War Between the States a flag was reported to have been flown - a red palmetto. You can see images of this first of 'Rebel' battle flags at the new Citadel in South Carolina.

Close up of 1st Civil War Battle Flag - Big Red

Visitors are welcome at the Citadel. And if you think you have the inner strength to become a Leader - Click Here (Citadel Website)

Civil War 150 Years Ago Today - part 2

Hudson Bay Company Heritage: Part III

Since the states "south of the border" have honor HBC Flags, it makes sense that the modern Canadian Provinces and Territories should have HBC Flags as well, eh? The Hudson Bay Company is arguably America's oldest company. This corporation was chartered in 1670 and has not looked back since. You can see Part I of this HBC string by clicking "here" to learn more about the HBC - the longest living of corporations.

Even if you eschew the word 'Corporate' certainly the Hudson Bay Company deserves a little bit of respect as the oldest American Corporation - and besides it's Canadian - so you can expect a healthy dose of politeness and friendliness.


North West Territories HBC Flag








Only a small eastern portion of this territory is a part of the Hudson Bay Water shed. This is the part of Canada that is mostly cold. However much of Canada has four distinct seasons!


Alberta HBC Flags








Alberta is often compared to being the Texas of Canada, because it's a 'red province.' However it seems more appropriate to compare Alberta to Louisiana. In fact, the southern portion of Alberta was a part of Louisiana Purchase in 1803! In addition Alberta's proverbial first name is Louisiana. Alberta Province was named after Queen Victoria's daughter - Louise Caroline Alberta. Thus appropriate nick names for Alberta Province include Louisiana Province and even Canadian Carolina Province! I suppose this is partly why this part of Canada is perceived as having a Southern Tilt.

Nunavut HBC Flag








Some of you may not be aware of this youngest of Canadian districts. It came in to being officially on April Fools day 1999, no joke! However although the youngest most of the people living there have been in Canada the longest - the Inuit.

Saskatchewan HBC Flag








Saskatchewan is the Kansas of Canada, or rather Kansas is the Saskatchewan of the United States, eh?

Manitoba and Ontario province are also a part of the Hudson Bay Water Shed but they will be discussed in a later post, since they are fraternal flag twins.

LINK TO FIRST HBC POST I

Hudson Bay Company Heritage in the USA

click map for larger image

Since four US States at one time were a part of the Hudson Bay Company, I have created four flags reflective of this honorable Canadian Heritage. Basically these four states have rivers that flow into the Hudson Bay.

These are post-historical heritage flags for Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. From 1670 until 1818 parts of these states were 'Canadian' under the compact of the Hudson Bay Company!



North Dakota HBC Flag









South Dakota HBC Flag










Minnesota HBC Flag









Montana HBC Flag









Montana would get a double dose of Canadian Heritage. Because her western portion was a part of Oregon Territory until 1846 - which was a "Bi-National Territory" ruled by the UK and US at the same time. (see my Oregon Territory Flag Post Here)

LINK to 1st HBC Post with funny commercials

LINK to Part III

Hudson Bay Company

Flag of Old Hudson Bay Company

As Old Man Winter settles into the Northern Hemisphere, and we don our furs of natural and synthetic origins. Here is a little bit of interesting Heraldry of one of North America's oldest and richest companies to generate income - the Hudson Bay Company. In the US mind this is simply a foot note in some history exam, but in Canada it is a shopping mall. Yes Virginia the Hudson Bay Company is still selling "furs''... since 1670. On May 2, 2010 the Hudson Bay Company celebrated its 340th year in operation.

US states that were a part of the Hudson Bay Company charter included Minnesota, the Dakotas and Montana.

Original Coat of Arms
The original arms of this oldest of American Companies has the red cross of St. George with a four beavers in each corner. The supporters are two deer. At the Helm is a house of piers hat and in the crest is a red fox facing to the left. The motto in Latin reads Pro Pelle Cutem. In traditional translation this means, "a skin for a skin."

The modern corporate arms kept the basic design but is all black and white. Four horizontal colour bands separated by white stripes make up the background - green, red, yellow, and blue. The motto was also changed into English and French - Since 1670 Depuis.

Modern Corporate Logo

Here are three commercials that reflect the 3 main types of Canadians

Patriotic Angloite Canucks

Wacky and Fun Loving Cnuckers

Artistic and Elegant Qebekerites


Link to Modern Hudson Bay Co.

Click Here for Part II

X-Box Kinect Flag

The Adventures Flag for Kinect

Flags in video games are nothing new, but every once in a while there is great leap in the home entertainment system. With the advent of technology the first marvel of 'nerdoistic ways' was radio. The next step in nerdovlition was the TV in simple black and white. Then came colour TV. At the end of the 20th century came video Image and sound recorders & cable. And in the 21st centuty we have... X-Box Kinect.

Kinect uses the human body as the controller. Eventually all gaming systems will have a full body controller. Gamers will finally be mostly fit, if they have a Kinect. This one step closer to the Star Trek Holli-deck!

Digitized Version of
the Adventures Kinect Flag

The game Kinect Adventures has its own flag. It uses the colours of X-Box "green, yellow, black and white." On a background of camouflage green in light disc fimbrated with olive green and filled with a black disc. Upon the disc is a stylized letter 'A' in a white-green colour.

Learn about Kinect on Wikipedia
Learn about Kinect from X-Box

Kinect Adventures Video