Flags of the Civil War By Kushnerkj Period: Jul 4, 1776 to Apr 9, 1865 Timeline of Union Flags Jun 14, 1777 Continental congress adopts a national flag Dec 20, 1860 The south secedes the union. Lincoln does not change the flag during the civil war Jul 4, 1861 the flag has 34 stars at the start of the Civil War Jul 17, 1862 123 rd pensylvania regiment is made and creates their own flag Aug 6, 1862 The first Kansas colored infantry flag is made