Flag of Alabama

What the flag looks like

A white field with a crimson saltire (diagonal cross) running from corner to corner.

What it means

The law gives no meaning for the design; the crimson cross is often said to recall the saltire of the Confederate battle flag.

How to remember it

Alabama is a bare red X on white with nothing in the middle; put a seal at the crossing and you have Florida.

Fun facts

• The 1895 law says the bars of the cross must be at least six inches wide.
• With no seal, words or stars, it is one of the plainest US state flags.

Alabama at a glance

Nickname

The Yellowhammer State

Statehood

1819

Capital

Montgomery

Region

East South Central

Population

5.0 million

Area

135,767 km²

Flag adopted

1895

Flags often confused with Alabama

• Florida: Alabama and Florida are both a red saltire on white. Alabama's is plain; Florida has the round state seal where the arms cross.