Alabama Republic Secession Flag 3x5 ft. Standard

This flag was displayed on the floor of the Alabama Secession Convention, after the vote to secede from the Union was passed in January, 1861. It was raised over the capital for a month after secession. This flag was double-sided, and the front shows Liberty with a sword in one hand, and in the other hand a flag we know was commonly flown in Alabama at that time. The reverse has a rattlesnake underneath a cotton bush (the rattlesnake is a common symbol of North American independence and willingness to fight for liberty). The words "NOLI ME TANGERE" on the reverse are Latin, meaning "Do not touch me." The Latin expression was a warning against meddling or interference, and was commonly used as a translation of a Greek phrase which meant, "Cease holding onto me" (which makes clear Alabama's intentions after the vote).