Introduction State fl ags tell big stories in small spaces A tiny star might deliver a powerful message Flags have served as inspiring symbols of heritage for more than 100 years But their histories extend far beyond that The seeds were planted during the Revolutionary War 1775 1783 That is when American colonies designed fl ags for their armies State fl ags maintained a military purpose through the Civil War 1861 1865 But national celebrations later that century motivated states to show off their pride through symbols The result was that 19 of 45 states boasted their own offi cial fl ags by 1901 They have been fl uttering in front of state capitol buildings ever since Designers faced no easy task They sought to capture the legacy and greatness of their states in a rectangle a few feet long and wide They looked to create fl ags that would inspire love and passion for the states they represented They yearned to show the strengths of their states through their designs Times have changed and so have state fl ags Some have been redesigned But others have remained the same for generations You aren’t likely to see jet planes computers or rocket ships on a fl ag They feature instead symbols of the past Included are animals such as grizzly bears and pelicans Or swords and caps that refl ect old battles that brought freedom Or mountains and rivers that show beauty Every fl ag tells a different story
Alabama The simple crimson cross on a white background is similar to the famous Confederate battle fl ag Alabama was among 11 states that fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War So Rectangle or Square State offi cials debated for years whether this fl ag should be shaped in a rectangle or square A decision to maintain it as a rectangle was not made until 1987 The logic was that it had been reproduced in a rectangle for so long that it should not be changed State Motto We Dare Defend Our Rights Statehood Date December 14 1819 Flag Adopted 1895 4
State Guides to Flags
Historical and anecdotal information about each of the fifty states' official state flags, including the inspiration of the design.
