Presently, VA provided tombstones for Confederates are identical in size and weight as those provided for Union soldiers.

However, Union stones are rounded at the top, while Confederate stones are pointed.

"A special style is also available to mark the graves of Confederate war dead. These special styles are available in upright marble or granite. To request this special style select the appropriate box in block 11 for upright marble (U) or upright granite (V) and write the words “special style - confederate” in block 11.

The inscription on the special style for Civil War Confederate is also limited. The Southern Cross of Honor is automatically inscribed at the top. The name is arched, followed by abbreviated military organization and dates of birth and death. No additional items can be inscribed. If a flat marker is desired for a Confederate soldier, the Southern Cross of Honor can be inscribed if requested, or any of the other approved emblems may be inscribed if requested."

See: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmcivil.asp for a photo of a Confederate marker.

The tale is often stated that Confederate stones are pointed so that "no damned Yankee will sit on it."

George Martin