During the Civil War, the Union forces used four official flags with 33, 34, 35 and 36 stars .The 35-star flag was the one flown most extensively during this time. During the War, the Confederate State stars were not removed from the Union flags, as the Federal government would not recognize by removing stars. The 35-star flag flew over Union forces from Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Appomattox.