The Bonnie Blue Flag was the unofficial banner of independence for the Southern states. The single star represented secession, and the field of blue stood for independence. However, the Stars and Bars was selected as the first official flag of the Confederacy. The seven stars represented the original Confederate states of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. The best-known flag was the Battle Flag, also known as the Southern Cross. Carried by Confederate troops in the field, this flag included 13 stars, representing the original seven states, plus Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Stars for Kentucky and Missouri were also included, even though their efforts to secede failed.