Judge Orders Removal of Massive Confederate Flag in South Carolina

The long-standing roadside controversy over the 120-foot flagpole has finally come to an end.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A South Carolina judge has upheld an order requiring the removal of a massive Confederate flag visible from Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County. The flag was erected by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68 without securing the necessary development permits, leading to a years-long legal dispute over the structure.

Why it matters

The Confederate flag has long been a source of controversy, with many viewing it as a symbol of slavery and racism. The judge's ruling in this case underscores the ongoing debate over the display of Confederate symbols in public spaces.

The details

In October 2022, county officials issued a notice of violation, telling the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68 to either lower the flag to 30 feet and fly a much smaller banner or remove the 120-foot flagpole entirely. The camp appealed the order, but the local zoning board's initial decision in their favor was later reversed by a circuit court in February 2024. The judge ruled that the camp's arguments failed to justify keeping the oversized structure, and gave them until early February 2026 to comply.

  • In October 2022, county officials issued a notice of violation.
  • In early 2023, the local zoning board initially sided with the veterans group.
  • In February 2024, a circuit court reversed the zoning board's ruling and reinstated the violation notice.
  • At the end of 2025, a judge denied the camp's motion to reverse the decision.
  • The flag was removed in late January 2026.

The players

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68

The group that erected the 120-foot flagpole and massive Confederate flag without securing the required development permits.

Spartanburg County

The county that issued the notice of violation and challenged the zoning board's initial decision in court.

Robert Merting

The attorney for the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68.

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What they’re saying

“The flag was removed in late January and will remain down while the legal battle continues, including an appeal pending before the South Carolina Court of Appeals.”

— Robert Merting, Attorney for the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68 (WNDU 16 News Now)

What’s next

The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 68 has indicated that they will appeal the judge's ruling to the South Carolina Court of Appeals.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the display of Confederate symbols in public spaces, and the importance of following local zoning and development regulations, even for groups with strong ideological stances.