Alabama

Composition

The Alabama flag features a field of white charged with a crimson saltire.

Iconography

Alabama statute specifically mentions the cross of St. Andrew (which is usually blue, not crimson). The saltire represents St. Andrew’s martyrdom, crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Because the flag has historically been depicted as square, it is often compared to the Confederate battle flag, though many now claim it was not an influence.

However in 1939, Alabama adopted its current coat of arms which does feature the Confederate battle flag.

Colors

The Alabama flag is one of few that only use two colors. It features white and a “crimson” matching the red from the U.S. national flag.

It is one of only four state flags to not include blue.

Construction

Alabama statute doesn’t specify dimensions or even a shape for the flag.

Historically the flag was produced and depicted as square. In 1987 though, Alabama Attorney General Don Siegelman claimed the flag should be rectangular. The common proportion of 2:3 is often used now.

Statute does specify the red bars of the saltire be at least 6 inches wide.

Previous iteration

In 1861, as Alabama left the Union, the Alabama Secession Convention adopted its first official flag. Designed by a group of women from Montgomery, it became known as the “Republic of Alabama Flag.” It only flew for a month before being replaced by the Confederate national flag.

It features a field of blue with the goddess Liberty on its obverse and a snake with cotton plant on its reverse. The Latin phrase “Noli Me Tangere” is inscribed which translates to “Touch Me Not” and is reminiscent of the Gadsden flag.