The Confederate States of America was a self-proclaimed independent state and Confederation that existed between 1861 and 1865 in North America. Up until the end of the American Civil War, six flags were used by the Confederate States of America. South Carolina Congressman William Porcher Miles designed the Rebel Flag. Also known as The Confederate Navy Jack and The Southern Cross, the flag resembles the Battle Flag. The Confederate Navy Jack was hoisted only on Confederate ships from 1863 to 1865. Usually measuring 5x3 feet, the flag is a rectangular antecedent of the Battle Flag. Miles intended his flag to be the first national flag; however it was rejected by the Confederate government for looking too similar to the British flag. In addition to a few other army units, The Army of Tennessee used this as their battle flag from 1864 to 1865. Realizing the flag looked like the British flag, General of the Tennessee army Joseph Johnston commanded his troops to demolish the flag. Today, the controversial Rebel Flag or also known as the Dixie Flag is still widely recognized. To the South, the flag is a symbol of heritage and pride for their ancestors who fought in the war. Others see this flag as a symbol of slavery or of the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation. Controversies and disagreements about the flag remain till today, however all the flags used by the Confederate States of America still symbolize the history of the United States of America.