The State Flag of Alabama

Alabama did not adopt its current state flag until more than 75 years after it became a state. For most of the time prior to that, the flag of the United States flew over Alabama. But from 1861 to 1865, during the Civil War, Alabama rallied under two different versions of Confederate national flags. Alabama finally designed its own state flag, 30 years after the war ended.

Cross of St. Andrew

In 1895, the Alabama State Flag Act specified that Alabama's flag would be a "crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white." The X-shaped cross, technically termed a saltire, is known as the "cross of St. Andrew," as the Apostle Andrew was crucified on a cross of this shape. According to this legend, Andrew felt unworthy to die on the same type of cross upon which Jesus was crucified, so requested a different shape.

Confederate Battle Flag influence

There is no explanation given for why the saltire was chosen, but it is frequently suggested that it was inspired by the Confederate Battle Flag with its "Southern Cross" of the same shape. Some Alabamians say that the color red is to represent the blood spilled by Alabama soldiers during the Civil War. It is significant that the only other flag that has ever represented Alabama was its "secession flag" which flew for a brief time after Alabama seceded from the union.

Design dimensions

According to the Alabama State Flag Act, the crimson bars of the diagonal cross are six inches broad. It is not indicated; however, whether the flag itself is square or rectangle. This has been a matter of controversy over the years, with both versions having their proponents, and each used at different times and places.

Although Alabama did not have its own flag until 1891, since that time the Alabama state flag has proudly flown over schools and municipal buildings all over the state. The Act that established it also provides a pledge, "Flag of Alabama I salute thee. To thee I pledge my allegiance, my service, and my life."