The original article appears here. For updated information and commentary, see the update below. The Mississippi state flag has become a nightmare for legislators, and a controversy that will not subside without a fresh approach. It is better suited to unite Mississippians than the current flag.
Some versions add a red fringe, or a red bar on the fly.
It flies daily among the historical flags at the Sillers State Office Building. The white star on a blue field dates back to the West Florida revolt of 1810, which included the southern part of Mississippi. It was recognized as the unofficial and sentimental flag of the entire Confederacy, and was the subject of one of the most popular southern songs during the Civil War. The magnolia tree has long been regarded as the distinctive symbol of Mississippi, like the palmetto of South Carolina. Magnolia flags were also flown by various military units, such as the Corinth Rifles.