The Evolution of the Flagpole

The dictionary defines a flagpole as “a staff or a pole on which a flag is or can be displayed.”  It can be a simple support made of wood or metal.  Prior to the industrial revolution, flagpoles were simply made from trees, selected for their straightness. They were cut down, stripped of their bark and branches and planted into the ground with a flag attached to the top.  The only real problem with these wooden flagpoles is that they typically rot at the base because they are inserted into the ground.

Near the turn of the 20th century changes came to the flagpole industry.  Steel flagpoles became very popular.  They were typically made from recycled materials that had been used for other purposes.   Steel tubes and the masts from ships were used as flag poles.  Steel section poles used for trolley wires were employed to make flagpoles. In the late 1920’s, producers of flagpoles began making the long tapered poles we commonly see today as home flagpoles.

The most popular and durable flagpoles are made of aluminum.  As the production process of aluminum improved, it became cheaper to produce flagpoles made of aluminum over steel.  The material is very strong yet light, making it easier to handle and most importantly corrosion resistant.

Aluminum flagpoles are corrosion resistant because the material generates oxide coating.  This can additionally be increased by applying a special finish to the flagpoles such as anodizing and painting.

As a side note, a very special flag pole was constructed for Apollo 11 when they landed on the moon.  The pole was designed to hold a flag out stiffly on the surface of the moon. The flagpole was very light weight and used a telescoping design so the astronauts and their massive gloves could easily manipulate it.  It was also stored in one of the legs of the lunar lander’s ladder.

There is a type of flagpole that is growing in popularity mainly because of its ease of use. They are called Telescoping Aluminum Flagpoles.  The poles have no ropes and no pulleys so you do not have to worry about tangles and knots. This also makes the flagpole virtually noise free.  Most are made with 16 gauge aluminum and a hard coat anodized finish making the flagpole maintenance free.  These flagpoles have an interlocking sleeve which allows the owner to raise and lower each section without pins.

There is another type of flagpole used for more than just waving the American Flag. They are called tailgating flagpoles and they are used to show what team you are rooting for or what you believe in. They can also be used to fly windsocks, pennants, banners or anything else you care to advertise.  For easy set up they are using telescoping and come in either flexible fiberglass or light weight aluminum

Throughout history, flagpoles have undergone changes in structure, composition and style. From wood to steel to aluminum, flagpoles allow us to show our patriotism. Flagpoles are a part of history, our history. There are many great flagpole producers out there. And there are many made in the USA flagpoles available.  So go shopping and get yourself a great telescoping aluminum flagpole!