Official
Symbols of Alabama The
nickname "Yellowhammer" was applied to
the Confederate soldiers from Alabama when a
company of young cavalry soldiers from
Huntsville, under the command of Rev. D.C. Kelly,
arrived at Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where General
Forrest's troops were stationed. The officers and
men of the Huntsville company wore fine, new
uniforms with bits of brilliant yellow cloth on
the sleeves, collars and coattails. As the
company rode past Forrest's troops, who were
dressed in faded, worn uniforms, one of the
soldiers cried out in greeting
"Yellowhammer, yellowhammer, flicker,
flicker!" From that moment on the Huntsville
soldiers were known as the "Yellowhammer
Company." The term quickly spread throughout
the Confederate Army, and soon all Alabama troops
were unofficially known as the
"Yellowhammers." |
George Corley
Wallace served an unprecedented (and
unbeaten) four terms as Governor of Alabama.
During most of his tenure he was known for being
a staunch segregationist, and, in 1963, literally
stood in the way of two blacks attempting to
attend the University of Alabama. By the time his
fourth term started, however, he had actually
gained forgiveness from civil rights leaders for
his past actions. He was also a three-time
candidate for President, but never made it past
the early primaries. |