Ku Klux Klan Flag History

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) flag, also known as the Ku Klux Klan banner or the White Camelia flag, has a complex and tumultuous history that spans over a century. The flag’s design has undergone several transformations, reflecting the group’s evolution and the societal context in which it operated.

The Ku Klux Klan was founded in 1865 by a group of Confederate veterans in Pulaski, Tennessee. The organization's early years were marked by violence and intimidation, as its members sought to maintain white supremacy in the South during the Reconstruction era. The KKK's flag during this period was not standardized, and different chapters used various designs, often featuring the Confederate battle flag or other symbols of white nationalism.

Early Flag Designs (1865-1900)

One of the earliest known KKK flag designs features a white field with a red cross, similar to the St. George’s Cross. This design was used by the first Ku Klux Klan organization, which was disbanded in the early 1870s. Other early flag designs included the use of the Confederate battle flag, which was often flown alongside the United States flag. These early designs reflect the KKK’s roots in the Confederate States of America and its ideology of white supremacy.

The Second Ku Klux Klan (1915-1944)

In 1915, the Ku Klux Klan was reborn, and its flag design underwent significant changes. The new flag featured a white field with a red cross, surrounded by a white border. The cross was often adorned with a white-robed figure, symbolizing the KKK’s emphasis on white supremacy and Protestant Christianity. This design became the standard for the Second Ku Klux Klan, which experienced rapid growth during the 1920s. The KKK’s flag was often flown at public events, such as parades and rallies, and was seen as a symbol of the organization’s power and influence.

Modern Flag Designs (1945-Present)

Following World War II, the Ku Klux Klan’s membership and influence began to decline. The organization’s flag design continued to evolve, with various chapters adopting different symbols and emblems. Some modern KKK flag designs feature a black field with a white cross, while others incorporate the Confederate battle flag or other white nationalist symbols. These designs reflect the KKK’s ongoing struggle to redefine its ideology and appeal to new generations of members.

The Ku Klux Klan flag's history is a complex and multifaceted topic, reflecting the organization's evolution and the societal context in which it operated. While the flag's design has undergone significant changes, its symbolism and meaning have remained a subject of controversy and debate. As a symbol of white supremacy and hatred, the KKK flag continues to be a powerful and divisive emblem, evoking strong emotions and reactions from those who encounter it.