http://www.thecityofcolumbusms.org/primary.asp?t=9&p=62

Catfish Alley in Columbus.

Decorating the Graves of the Blue and the Grey, it all started first in
Columbus,Mississippi.April 25,1866.

They didn't have good quality dye back in those days, for dyeing
cloth/fabric.It didn't take long untill that Blue started fading to
Grey.

I Hope things get better for you, Drifter.
cuhulin