American State Flags

why is the alabama state flag differant than other state flags?

Public Comments

1. try this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama_flag
2. In 1895 the Alabama Legislature authorized the "crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white" as the state's official flag. It was designated that the crimson bars were not to be less than six inches broad and were to extend diagonally across the flag. Because Act 383 did not specify a particular format, the flag is sometimes depicted as a square and at other times depicted as a rectangle.
3. Last time I checked NONE of the state flags were the same... But, here's a history of why it is the way it is...
4. The flag is patterned after the Confederate Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia which is turn is modeled after the St. Andrew Cross. I would assume the legislators of 1895, when the design was approved, wanted to honor their heritage. Why the Army of No. Virginia chose the St. Andrew Cross is another question. I'm sure a Civil War historian could provide more detailed information. The flag need not be a square, as it has been depicted in recent years. The legislation only specifies the bars must be no less than six inches broad and must extend diagonally across the flag from corner to corner. By the way, the Ohio flag is the only flag that is not a rectangle and thus truly different from all other state flags.