Court Orders Removal of Large Confederate Flag Along Interstate

Spartanburg County flag display ruled in violation of local zoning laws

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A large Confederate flag that has flown over Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina for years is being taken down after a court ruled the flag display violated local zoning laws. The Sons of Confederate Veterans group that erected the 120-foot flagpole and flag has appealed the decision, but the flag was removed in late January while the appeal is pending.

Why it matters

The display of Confederate flags and monuments has been a contentious political and social issue in the U.S. for decades, with debates over their historical significance, symbolism, and appropriateness in public spaces. This ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles over the placement of Confederate imagery, especially in visible locations like major highways.

The details

In October 2022, Spartanburg County issued a notice of violation to the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68, stating the group had constructed the 120-foot flagpole without the required development permit. The county ordered the group to either lower the flag to 30 feet and display a smaller 5-by-8 foot flag, or remove the flagpole entirely. The veterans group appealed the violation, but the county's appeal to a circuit court was successful, with the court reinstating the violation notice in February 2024. After the veterans group's motion for reconsideration was denied in late 2025, they were given until February 5th, 2026 to comply with the court's order.

  • In October 2022, Spartanburg County issued a notice of violation to the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68.
  • In January 2023, the veterans group appealed the violation to the zoning board, which initially sided with them.
  • In February 2024, Spartanburg County appealed the zoning board's decision to the circuit court, which reversed the board's decision and reinstated the violation notice.
  • In January 2026, the veterans group filed a motion asking the court to reconsider its December 2025 decision, but the motion was denied.
  • The veterans group was given until February 5, 2026 to comply with the court ruling.

The players

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68

The group that constructed the 120-foot flagpole and large Confederate flag display along Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County.

Spartanburg County

The local government that issued the notice of violation to the Sons of Confederate Veterans group and successfully appealed the case through the court system.

Robert Merting

The attorney representing the Sons of Confederate Veterans group in the legal proceedings.

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What they’re saying

“The flag was taken down in late January and will stay down for now.”

— Robert Merting, Attorney for the Sons of Confederate Veterans (kptv.com)

What’s next

The Sons of Confederate Veterans group has appealed the court's decision to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, with a decision still pending in that case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal and political battles over the display of Confederate symbols, especially in prominent public locations. The removal of the large flag along the interstate highway reflects the growing momentum to take down Confederate monuments and imagery, even in the face of continued resistance from groups seeking to preserve them.