Alabama Flag History
Adopted: February 16, 1895; 123 years ago
Alabama Flag Design: St. Andrew's saltire in a field of white
The Alabama Flag was authorized by the Alabama Legislature on February 16, 1895, by Act number 383.
According to the Acts of Alabama, 1895, the state flag was to be a crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white. The bars forming the cross were not to be less than six inches broad and were to extend diagonally across the flag from side to side. The act did not designate a square or a rectangular flag.
Over the years there has been much confusion and speculation over the shape of the Alabama state flag. Prior to publishing the 1915 Alabama Official and Statistical Register, Dr. Thomas Owen, director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History interviewed individuals who had been around at the time that the bill was introduced.
He concluded that the flag was intended to "preserve in permanent form some of the more distinctive features of the Confederate battle flag, particularly the St. Andrew's cross."
Owen then made the conclusion that the flag should be square, based on the "regulations governing the Confederate battle flag."
However, these regulations which applied to one version of the Army of Northern Virginia battle flag were not always followed by flag manufacturers during the Civil War, and rectangular St. Andrew’s Cross battle flags were common in the Army of Tennessee.
Furthermore, the earliest images of the state flag published soon after the adoption of the flag all depicted a rectangular flag.
Alabama Flag Display
The Code of Alabama states that the state flag should be flown over the dome of the Capitol when the two houses of the Legislature are in session and should be used by the state on all occasions when necessary or customary to display a flag, except when the Governor determines that the national flag should be displayed.
In 2001 the Alabama Legislature expanded regulations related to the display of the state flag in the Alabama State Flag Act. According to the Acts of Alabama, 2001-472: "(a)
Each facility or building located in this state that is affiliated with any department or agency of the state and supported in whole or in part by public funds shall prominently display the Alabama State Flag, in accordance with appropriate flag display protocol, on a flag pole or flag poles located near the main entrance of each facility or building.
Any facility or building that is not in public view or open to the general public, or is used only for storage or other warehouse purposes, may be exempt from the requirements of this section at the discretion of the director or chief official of the department or agency.
"(b) Unless otherwise acquired pursuant to gift, donation, or other means, the flags and flag poles required by this section shall be purchased by the applicable department or agency within three years after August 21, 2001."
Under an Act approved on September 26, 1923, the flag of the State, as well as the flag of the United States, is required to be displayed every day on which school is in session, at all schools in the State which are supported even in part by public funds.
In 2001 the law was expanded to require state flags to be flown at county courthouses, state offices, and municipal buildings.
Flag Salute
Flag of Alabama I salute thee. To thee I pledge my allegiance, my service, and my life.
NOT ALL ALABAMA STATE FLAGS ARE THE SAME!
HERE'S WHY...
Extra care is taken in making these flags. Flag designs are researched to ensure that they are authentic and current. We use sturdy fabrics, allowing the flags to be flown outdoors, indoors, or carried in parades.
★ Constructed with 100% Heavy Duty Nylon (digital dyed)
★ Beautiful, brilliant colors
★ Resistant to wear and tear from sun and rain
★ Complete with heavy canvas heading & brass grommets to meet the most demanding commercial and residential uses.
★ All outdoor flags are finished with heavy-duty thread, polyester heading, brass grommets, and four needle fly hem
★ State flags constructed to precise specifications
★ Flies in the slightest breeze
★ Proudly Made in the USA
★ Beautiful Presentation - This Alabama Flag makes an excellent gift for friends, parents, or to PROUDLY display on your HOME or OFFICE.
HEAVY-DUTY NYLON OUTDOOR STATE FLAGS WITH SOLAR SHIELD
Our most popular and versatile outdoor Alabama flag, USA Flag Co. flags offers the optimum combination of elegance and durability for every purpose. The 100% nylon material provides a rich, lustrous appearance.
Our flags have superb wearing strength due to the material’s superior strength-to-weight ratio and will fly in the slightest breeze. State flags are finished with strong, polyester canvas headings and spurred brass grommets, and four needle fly hem.
The result is a flag that will be flown with pride year after year.
SOLAR SHIELD
- Rich, Vivid Colors
- Durable
- Fire-Resistant
- Mothproof
- Mildew Resistant
- Sheds Water
- Lightweight for Flyability
Add this Alabama Flag to your cart for Immediate Delivery Now.
Source:
Act 1895-383, Acts of Alabama, February 16, 1895.
Act 23-444, Acts of Alabama, September 26, 1923.
Alabama State Emblems, Alabama Department of Archives and History, nd.
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USA Flag Co. wants you to be completely and perfectly satisfied, and that is why we offer a 30-day money back guarantee from the date you ordered your product(s). Now don't get me wrong, we'd love to know why you didn't like it, but only if you are willing to tell us. Otherwise, it's 100% satisfaction guaranteed return. No questions asked.
We take all the risk out of ordering by offering an unmatched satisfaction guarantee. We'll always do our best to take care of you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most common question asked in the industry and the most difficult to answer. No two flags will wear the same due to weather conditions and how often the flag is flown. Our flags offer the best stitching and highest quality materials to get your flag off to a great start.
Do not hang a flag where the wind will whip it against rough surface, such as tree branches, wires or cables or the outside of your home or building. Inspect your flags regularly for signs of wear. Repair any minor rips or tears right away this can be mended easily with a sewing machine or sewing kit. Keep the surface of the pole free of dirt, rust or corrosion that could damage or stain your flag.
We recommend that you hand-wash your flag with mild soap, rinse thoroughly and air dry. You can also use a dry cleaning service.
Exposing your flag to rain, wind, snow or high winds will shorten the life of your flag considerably. If you leave your flag exposed to the elements, it will greatly reduce the life of your flag.
Yes, as long as your pole is large enough to support the weight of the flags. The USA Flag must always fly at the top. The flag underneath should be at least one foot lower and be one size smaller than the USA Flag. Flags of other countries are not to be flown beneath the USA Flag.
If your flag is significantly faded, torn or tattered it is time to retire your flag. Your flag should be retired privately in a dignified manner. In addition, many local community organizations have flag disposal centers that will dispose of your flag for you.
