White field with a crimson saltire (diagonal cross) reaching the flag’s edges.
Ratio: 2:3
A simple red St. Andrew’s cross on a white field: plain yet striking. The design echoes the Confederate battle flag, though stripped to its bare bones. Its austerity gives Alabama’s flag a bold clarity, matched by nicknames such as “The Heart of Dixie.”
Flag Symbolism & Meaning
saltire
Represents St. Andrew’s cross; a historic emblem used by several flags in the region.
white
Purity and honesty.
crimson
Courage and valor.
Historical Timeline
1819
Admitted to the Union as the 22nd state.
1895
Current flag adopted by the Alabama legislature.
Fascinating Facts
1
Alabama is nicknamed the Yellowhammer State.
2
The flag’s saltire is visually similar to Florida’s flag.
For Students & Teachers
Key Learning Points (4-8)
Identify the saltire and its proportions.
Relate colors to commonly taught symbolism.
State Information
- Population
- 5,074,296
- Area
- 52,420
- Founded
- 1819-12-14
- Region
- Southeast