Introducing a blog mini-series by Connor - the history of (southern) state flags!  Be sure to check out the "fun facts"...  you just might learn something new!

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History:

The current Alabama state flag is the second flag to ever officially fly in Alabama. The first was made in 1861 and featured the Goddess of Liberty, with the line: “Independent Now and Forever,” printed across the top. The other side featured the Latin phrase “Noli Me Tangere,” or Touch Me Not with a cotton plant and coiled Rattlesnake. In 1895 the Alabama legislature authorized the current Alabama state flag.

 

Design:
The state flag was to be a crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white. The bars forming the cross were not to be less than six inches broad and were to extend diagonally across the flag from side to side. The now infamous flag is flown everyday across the state of Alabama.

 

Fun Facts:
The act that created the flag did not designate a square or a rectangular flag. It has come under debate as to whether or not the flag should be square or rectangular because it is believed that the crimson color was modeled after the Confederate flag. Because this Confederate flag was a Battle Flag, it was originally square. The Alabama state flag is thus sometimes depicted as square, but most often the flag is rectangular.

Salute:
Flag of Alabama I salute thee. To thee I pledge my allegiance, my service, and my life.

http://www.volunteertraditions.com/shop/alabama-flags/

Our twists on the traditional Alabama flag:

http://www.archives.alabama.gov/emblems/st_flag.html