Famous Logos from Alabama

 If someone was to choose a single logo to sum up Alabama, they might be hard-pressed to narrow down their choice. Alabama actually has 41 distinct symbols, not counting its Great Seal, that identify the state. But, one that would rise to the top is that which holds true to the spirit of the state, simply known as the Seal of Alabama.

This logo, of sorts, portrays an eagle with wings outstretched, alighting over the national shield. In its left wing it holds three arrows, and a streamer flowing from its beak is encrusted with the words “HERE WE REST.” The seal was officially adopted in 1819 when Alabama officially became a state.

Alabama University

More than any logo affiliated with Alabama pride, the hallowed logo for the Alabama Crimson Tide is by far the most popular and recognizable, especially to college football enthusiasts. Love them or hate them, the trademarked italic “A” is unmistakable.

Created in 1820 with its first students joining the school in 1831, the University of Alabama began with a primary focus on education and was immediately planned as a doctoral school. It wasn’t until 1893 that a man named W.G. Little introduced football into the sports program at the university, kicking off a humble state to a football legacy of excellence that has lasted for over a century.

The logo often incorporated the school’s name, an elephant (the school mascot), and/or the school challenge (Roll Tide or Crimson Tide), but for the most part, all anyone needs to see is the italic “A” and they know exactly what it is.

Books-A-Million

Most of the time, when a person is looking for a Books-a-million location, they will see the entire store name spelled out. But once inside, the true logo can be seen in every brandable aspect of its large sales floor and shelving.

The logo created to shorten the store chain’s name became simply “BAM!” Perhaps creative marketers saw the opportunity to draw attention with a catchy, all-bold, shocking logo, or perhaps it was just to give people a simpler way to say the store name faster, but no matter what the reason, it certainly catches the eye.

Chester’s

Predominately found in fuel stations and truck stops, Chester’s Chicken is a quick-service food chain restaurant founded in Birmingham. Its mascot is Chester the Chicken and is featured on all of its logos. What most people don’t know is that Chester is actually named after the character Chester Goode from the western show, Gunsmoke, which W. O. Giles hailed as one of his favorites.

The first Chester’s logo was simple and had the name in black and yellow bold font. The new version is more fun and friendly, not only spelling the company brand with the words “Chicken on the Run” below it but also displaying the happy, smiling face of Chester himself above it all.