Flag of Alabama - Definition and Overview

The flag of Alabama was adopted by the on February 16, 1895. Some claim the red saltire is intended to recall the Southern Cross (blue saltire) in the Confederate Battle Flag. Since the state legislature did not specify the length-width ratio, the Alabama state flag may be either rectangular or square. Whatever the size of the flag, the bars must be six inches wide.

Apart from the Confederate Battle Flag, the Alabama state flag bears resemblance to several other flags. The flag of Saint Patrick, incorporated into the Union Jack of the United Kingdom to represent the union of Great Britain with Ireland, is also a red saltire. The flag of Florida also incorporates a red saltire, although charged with the seal of Florida.