Alabama has had four official state flags in its history. The first Alabama flag was adopted in 1861, shortly after Alabama seceded from the Union. It was a blue flag with a yellow or white star in the center. This flag was only used for a short time, as Alabama soon adopted the Confederate national flag.
After the Civil War, Alabama adopted a new state flag in 1875. This flag was a white flag with the state seal in the center. The seal featured a cotton plant, a coiled snake, and the words “Alabama” and “1819.” This flag was used until 1895.
In 1895, Alabama adopted its current state flag. This flag is a white flag with a red saltire (diagonal cross). The saltire is said to represent the cross of St. Andrew, who was one of the twelve apostles. The flag was designed by Representative John W. A. Sanford Jr., who was a member of the Alabama legislature.
The flag is a symbol of Alabama’s heritage and should be preserved. In 2020, the Alabama legislature voted to create a commission to study the state flag and make recommendations on whether or not it should be changed. The commission is expected to make its recommendations in 2023.
Alabama Flag Salute
Flag of Alabama I salute thee.
To thee I pledge my allegiance,
my service, and my life.
All Alabama Schools must have Alabama Flags
Alabama Code Title 16. Education § 16-43-1
Current as of December 30, 2022 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) Each school and educational institution located in this state, that is supported in whole or in part by public funds, shall display the United States Flag and the Alabama State Flag at all times when the school or educational institution is in session in accordance with appropriate flag display protocol. Both the United States Flag and the Alabama State Flag shall be displayed on a flag pole or flag poles located in front of the main building of the educational institution.
(b) Each local board of education building located in this state and each administrative building associated with an educational institution located in this state, that is supported in whole or in part by public funds, shall prominently display the Alabama State Flag at all times that the United States Flag is flown. The flags shall be flown in accordance with appropriate flag display protocol, on a flag pole or flag poles located near the main entrance of each building.
(c) Any municipality with a population of 1,000 or less, according to the most recent federal decennial census, shall be exempt from this section and Section 16-43-4 unless other flags are being flown in the municipality by the municipality.
