In 1854, conditions were pretty bad for the gold field 'diggers' in Ballarat,Victoria, Australia. So bad that they organized and built a small fort called Eureka Stockade. They rallied under a blue flag with a white St. George's cross with 5 stars on it. The British, who were running the show, stormed the rebels, and put down the 'Australian Civil War' in 15 minutes. The flag was torn down, and now rests in the Ballarat Fine Arts Gallery. It was the original 'Southern Cross.'

Today's Australian national flags feature the constellation the Southern Cross as a key element of their designs. Partly because of the Eureka Stockade, and partly because the constellation dominates the Aussie night sky.

In 1861 several American states seceded from the Union and rallied under another flag. It was red with a blue St. Andrew's cross with 13 stars. Unlike the 'digger rebellion,' the American Civil War lasted 4 years. After it ended, the numerous flags that were flown in the Confederacy were furled and laid to rest. The most beloved, however, was the Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia, the 'Southern Cross.'

In 1999 an Australian lady came to Virginia and ultimately married a Southern gentleman who was a Civil War Re-enactor. Eventually they started producing Civil War period clothing, and needed a name for the venture. Since she is Australian, he is Virginian, and both cultures have their 'Southern Crosses,' the name just sort of fit.