34-Star Flag (1862)

While the original seven Confederate states were separating from the Union, Kansas was attempting to enter as the 34th state.  After much bickering among its residents, Kansas adopted a constitution that legalized slavery.  A second vote defeated the same constitution.  In 1858, President Buchanan, ignoring the second vote, recommended Kansas be admitted as a slave state.  Congress insisted on the constitution being resubmitted to the people of Kansas for yet another vote.  Once again, the constitution permitting slavery was rejected by Kansans.  In 1859 a new constitution was drawn, banning slavery, and was ratified.  Kansas was admitted to the Union as a free state on January 29, 1861.

Even though the Union was now split by the Confederacy, the official flag remained that which bore 34 stars.