The Flag of Alabama: History, Meaning, and Symbolism

The state of Alabama lies in the southeastern part of the United States. On December 14, 1819, it became the 22nd state to enter the Union. The official bird, the Yellowhammer, inspired the state’s other nicknames: “Heart of Dixie” and “Yellowhammer State.” The state did not have an official flag until some years later, but eventually, it adopted one in 1861.

There have not been many flags for this state since its first design, and its current design is quite simple. In the center of a white background is the St. Andrew’s cross, which is also a red X. The crimson cross is diagonally positioned across all four corners of the flag. This design truly sets it apart from other states’ flags.

The Confederate battle flag was replaced by the United States flag in Alabama in 1865. However, in 1891, Alabama created and adopted a flag that would become its own and be in use ever since. Regardless, the flag of Alabama still holds much significance for the state. In this post, we will explore the flag of Alabama further, including its history, meaning, and symbolism.

The Flag of Alabama History

1861

Although Alabama was admitted to the Union as a state in 1819, the story of its flag does not begin until the year 1861, when the state seceded from the Union. Up until this point, Alabama did not have a formal state flag. The first state flag of Alabama was approved in January 1861 during the Secession Convention. Only a few weeks later, in March 1861, Alabama adopted the first of two Confederate flags that would become its official banner.

A small group of women in Montgomery created the first Alabama state flag in 1861. The words “Independent Now and Forever” appeared above the figure of the Goddess of Liberty, who was depicted on one side of the flag carrying a sword in one hand and a smaller flag with just one star in the other. On the flip side was written “Touch Me Not” below a picture of a coiled rattlesnake and a cotton plant. This banner is also known as the flag of the Republic of Alabama or the Secession Convention. After being adopted as the Alabama state flag, it was flown for about a month before being damaged by a violent storm. Afterward, it was never flown again.

1865

Once the previous flag was taken down, Alabama quickly replaced it with the Confederate National flag. However, at the end of the Civil War in 1865, the American flag was hoisted above Alabama’s capitol building once again and the Confederate battle banners were brought down.

1891 to Present

Before 1891, when a new state flag was commissioned, Alabama flew the American flag. However, the Alabama legislature formally adopted a new flag in 1895, and this flag has remained in use ever since. It was decided that the design should be based on the Confederate Battle flag, and it was adopted as the second official state flag of Alabama. This design has remained unchanged since its inception.

The Flag of Alabama Design

The flag of Alabama is one of the simpler designs among the 50 state flags. The official flag of Alabama features a white field with a red St. Andrew’s cross across it. The flag can be recognized both in a rectangle and a square orientation because the law does not specify a preferred shape. However, the width of the cross’s horizontal bars should be at least six inches, and they should run diagonally across the entire flag.

The Flag of Alabama Symbolism

Although there are only two colors on the flag of Alabama (white and red), these colors hold special meaning to the state. For example, the color white indicates purity or innocence, and the color red on the cross denotes bravery or courage. The cross holds much symbolism as well. For example, during the American Civil War, Alabama sided with the secessionist South. The cross of St. Andrew, an X-shaped diagonal cross over which St. Andrew, one of Jesus’ disciples, is claimed to have been crucified, served as inspiration for the design of the Confederate battle flag.

Click here to learn about every single flag in the world!

Up Next:

• The Flag of Greenland: History, Meaning, and Symbolism
• The Flag of Iraq: History, Meaning, and Symbolism
• The Flag of Benin: History, Meaning, and Symbolism

The photo featured at the top of this post is © railway fx/Shutterstock.com