Alabama Flag

Full History of the Alabama Flag

Act number 383 was passed by the Alabama Legislature on February 16, 1895, and it established the Alabama State Flag. The state flag of Alabama was to be a red cross of St. Andrew on a white background, as stated in the Acts of Alabama, 1895. The bars that make up the cross must be at least six inches wide and must span the flag diagonally from side to side. The act did not specify a rectangular or square flag.

The Alabama state flag's design has generated a lot of uncertainty and rumor throughout the years. Dr. Thomas Owen, head of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, conducted interviews with people who had been alive when the measure was proposed before producing the 1915 Alabama Official and Statistical Register. The St. Andrew's cross, in particular, was meant to "preserve in permanent form some of the more recognizable aspects of the Confederate battle flag," he said in his conclusion. Based on the "regulations governing the Confederate battle flag," Owen concluded that the flag ought to be square. However, during the Civil War, flag producers did not always abide by these rules, which were specific to one design of the battle flag used by the Army of Northern Virginia, and rectangular St. Andrew's Cross battle flags were frequently used by the Army of Tennessee. In addition, the initial renderings of the state flag that were printed soon after its adoption all showed a rectangular flag.

Other Official Alabama Flags

A resolution naming a flag created by a group of Montgomery women as the convention's official flag was approved by the Secession Convention on January 11, 1861. The Republic of Alabama Flag is another name for this flag. The Goddess of Liberty was depicted on one side of the flag, holding an unguarded sword in her right hand, and a little flag with one star in her left. Above this figure, the phrase "Independent Now and Forever" was written in an arch. A cotton plant with a rattlesnake coiling up in it was on the other side of the flag. The Latin phrase "Noli Me Tangere" is written beneath the cotton plant (Touch Me Not). This flag was flown until February 10, 1861, when harsh weather caused it to be damaged and it was taken to the governor's office. No one ever flew it again.

The First or Second National Flag of the Confederacy was flown from March 4, 1861, until General James H. Wilson took control of Montgomery in April 1865. Following the Civil War, the American flag was flown at all formal events.

Fun Facts About the Alabama Flag

Alabama's flag is ranked number 52 in terms of design excellence out of 72 Canadian province flags, US state flags, and US territories flags by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA).

The flag originated in the late 19th century

• Legislators approved the state's first official flag in 1895. Representative John W. A. Sanford Jr. was the driving force behind the legislation, who proclaimed that the Alabama state flag should display the crimson cross of St. Andrew against a white field.

The cross is known as a saltire

• A saltire is the name for the red cross that appears on the Alabama state flag. A collection of heraldic emblems known as saltires. One cross appears on the Alabama state flag, extending from each of the four corners and meeting in the center. Although it is officially the St. Andrew cross, vexillology classifies it as a saltire.

The state flag originally featured a double-sided design

• Alabama had an official flag for many decades before the late 19th century, when the current design was first used. In 1861, the Southern state's first flag was chosen. But unlike the present design, it was devoid of the red cross of St. Andrew. It has a two-sided layout instead. The Goddess of Liberty was depicted on one side of the flag, wielding a sword. It has a rattlesnake coil on the other side.

The state flag was used as the basis for the Alabama Governor’s flag

• The Alabama Governor's flag was designed based on the state flag of Alabama. The red cross of St. Andrew appears on both flags, and both flags show this cross on a white background. The military crest is shown at the bottom of the Alabama Governor's flag, while the coat of arms is shown at the top. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Alabama flag symbolize?

• The saltire depicted on the Confederate Battle Flag is thought to have served as an inspiration for the Alabama flag's design.

Who came up with the design for the current Alabama flag?

• The flag's design and requirements were laid out by Representative John Sanford, Jr., who also mentioned that the cross's crossbar must be at least six inches wide. Sanford's design was inspired by the battle flag of his father's regiment, who served during the Civil War.

Check out our Various Alabama Flags Today!

The most adaptable flags on the market are our outdoor Alabama flags. These flags have superb craftsmanship and top-notch materials. Both of our outdoor Alabama flag options, Beacon® Nylon and Patriarch® Polyester, are exclusive to Freedom and Glory. These outdoor flags are created in the USA with pride.

The finest way to support the state of Alabama is with an indoor Alabama state flag. These exquisite flags are crafted from the best materials and will look stunning wherever they are displayed. The durable state flags from Freedom and Glory have fluffy, gold fringe. Choose between two practical sizes.

You can design the ideal Indoor or Parade with the help of our Alabama Flag Sets. Set of the Alabama State flag for your decorative purposes. Our collection of flags and flagpoles gives you the option to match your current decor or design an entirely new display thanks to its variety of looks and styles. With the help of our Alabama Flag sets, you can design the ideal appearance for your house, office, church, or procession. Choose from our Majestic Telescopic poles in Gold Chrome or Wood-Grained finishes or go with our classic Jointed Oak finish.

Also, view our full list American Flags that you can pair with your state flags.   

Fly an American-made flag with pride!

Alabama state flags, which are made in America are something that Freedom and Glory is happy to carry! It is essential to support American manufacturing and the economy by buying products made there. Even better, shopping locally guarantees that your products are made in line with American manufacturing and labor laws.

By getting your Alabama state flag from Freedom and Glory, you can show your support for Made in the USA items right now.