Time has influenced and altered the true meanings behind the Confederate Flag. While the original meaning of the flag was to symbolize the freedom of the Confederate States, many new interpretations have emerged from 1860 to the present. Some believe the flag symbolizes their heritage and the fallen soldiers who fought for the Confederate States of America. On the other hand, others believe that the flag represents racism, white supremacy, and hatred (Briggs). This has been argued because what may be one's legacy is another's slavery and harrowing history. This topic brings out the abundance of various emotions and feelings to those who hit it. The placement of the flag at the Capitol was also a major issue behind the controversies, and in 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States. Lincoln's election immediately posed a problem for Southern states who felt that Lincoln's election threatened their slavery-based way of life. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation which freed all slaves in the rebellion states. Lincoln was a strong supporter of the 13th Amendment which guaranteed freedom to all slaves in the United States (“Lincoln on Slavery”). In Lincoln's Last Public Address, he even recommended that African Americans be given the right to vote (“Lincoln's Last Public Address…”). As Lincoln's public position on slavery continued to change, he made a great effort to improve the lives of slaves. The seven Deep South states that were outraged and made preparations and carried out their plans to secede from the Union were Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. After the Civil War began in 1861, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia also seceded. The new Confederate States of America were formed in February 1861. The goal of these states was to preserve slavery, states' rights, and political freedom for whites ("Included Confederate States would be a complete interpretation of the flag, all the meanings it has) holds and how it has influenced history for centuries For those who support the flag, an exhibit dedicated to teaching how the flag's role has influenced South Carolina's history would be an understandable, but questionable decision to make since l The current placement of the flag has not caused any problems. However, this decision would be a step in the right direction. It would show how the flag symbolizes fallen soldiers which for some goes back to their family heritage and represents their Southern pride to the flag, this exhibition would mean no no longer having to worry about the flag flying high and waving around the negativity that History is believed to bring with it and all the events that took place are set in stone. This exhibit would demonstrate how the flag emanates negativity that accompanies issues of race, white supremacy, hatred, and slavery. Everyone has their own opinions, feelings and beliefs when it comes to the Confederate flag. How can you tell another that their opinions are invalid or that their feelings don't matter? Topics like slavery and racism are difficult for some to discuss, but they are an important part of South Carolina's history. They cannot be erased. Therefore, if the Confederate flag symbolizes the