7 Interesting Things about Flagpole You Should Know

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 20^th 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.