Flagpoles like the flags have a history and have evolved over
the years. Today, you will find an array of flagpoles in market, not just in
different materials but also in different styles. If you are looking for a US
made flagpole, you can also order one from any online store; they have
different range of American flagpoles
for sale.
Flagpoles whether in America or anywhere in the world are
pretty much the same – a long, cylindrical pole used for hosting the flags.
Here are 7 interesting things about flagpoles that you must know.
1.
Not so straight earlier flagpoles: You will be surprised to know that
earlier, flagpoles were just a piece of wood carved out of trees that were
selected for their relative straightness. You can imagine how many trees must
have been cut to make flagpoles and that too, they weren’t always so straight
like today’s flagpoles.
2.
Federal Code for Flagpole Display: The United States of America has
federal flag code enacted in 1942 that offers detailed guidelines on how the
American flag must be flown on flagpoles. There are certain rules of hosting an
American National flag, such as it must always be above any other flags and at
the top of the flagpole, unless on special occasions when they are flown at half-staff.
3. Unbelievable height: Flagpoles’ length range from 3m in height to 25m. Some flagpole can reach
up to 85 feet or even more. Basically, there is no specific rule that limits
the height of the flagpole. If you want, you can also get a custom made
flagpole for your residential or commercial purposes.
4. Steel poles: Since
wooden flagpoles have the tendency to rot if they stand too long in the ground,
steel poles were introduced in 20th century as an alternative. At
that time, steel poles were mostly repurposed from used materials like the ship
mast. Gradually sectional steel flagpoles were commercially manufactured for
the purpose of flying flags only.
5. Most interesting flagpole in the history: The flagpole used for flying the US flag
on the moon is probably the most interesting flagpole in the world. It was specifically
designed keeping in the mind the requirements of the moon –it has no
atmosphere. The flagpole was designed using telescoping horizontal support and
was light weight so that the astronauts didn’t face any difficulty in hosting
the flag.
6. Warding off the enemy: Every flagpole has a decorative topper known as finial. Legend has it that the finials were used for
storing things to be used in case of foreign invasion. Sounds interesting, but
it is just a mere decorative piece and nothing else.
7.
What is the round thing on the top? :
Ever wondered why
flagpoles have a ball on the top? It is mostly used on outdoor flag poles to
prevent tangling of the flagpole with the flag or halyard in high winds.
Flagpoles have interesting background, history
and anecdotes. They have evolved from mere wooden pole to high quality
fiberglass poles. No matter what your purpose is to fly the flags, you will
find an array of interesting American flagpoles for sale online.