The Flags of Texas

When you think of Texas, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's the wide-open plains, the sizzling barbecue, or the unmistakable drawl of a Texan accent. But for many, the enduring symbol of the Lone Star State is its iconic flag – a simple yet powerful design that has flown proudly for nearly two centuries. However, the stories of the flags of Texas goes far beyond the familiar red, white, and blue banner we know today.

From the tumultuous days of the Texas Revolution to the modern era, the flags of Texas have been silent witnesses to the state's rich and complex history. They've flown over battlefields and capitols, ranches and oil fields, each telling a unique story of struggle, independence, and fierce pride. In this post, we'll unfurl the many banners that have represented Texas throughout its colorful past and explore the meanings woven into their fabric.

So saddle up, partners – we're about to embark on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of Texas identity through its most cherished symbols. Whether you're a born-and-bred Texan or just a curious observer, you're sure to gain a new appreciation for the Lone Star State and the flags that have come to define it.

The Lone Star Flag: A Symbol of Independence

Let's start our journey with the flag that every Texan knows by heart – the current state flag, officially known as the Lone Star Flag. Adopted in 1839 when Texas was still an independent republic, this flag has stood the test of time, remaining unchanged for over 180 years.

The design of the Lone Star Flag is elegantly simple, yet rich with symbolism. It consists of a vertical blue stripe on the hoist side, taking up one-third of the flag's width. The remaining two-thirds are divided horizontally into white on top and red on the bottom. In the center of the blue stripe sits a single white five-pointed star.

But what do these elements represent? The blue stands for loyalty, the white for purity, and the red for bravery. The lone star itself has become synonymous with Texas, representing the state's independence and serving as a reminder of its unique history as a former independent nation.

The origins of the Lone Star Flag are shrouded in some mystery. While it was officially adopted by the Third Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1839, the exact designer of the flag remains a subject of debate among historians. Some attribute it to Dr. Charles B. Stewart, others to Senator William H. Wharton, while some believe it was a collaborative effort.

Regardless of its precise origin, the Lone Star Flag quickly became a beloved symbol of Texas identity. It flew proudly over the Republic of Texas from 1839 to 1845, when Texas joined the United States. Unlike many other states that adopted new flags upon entering the Union, Texas kept its republic-era flag, a testament to the enduring pride Texans feel for their independent heritage.

The Lone Star Flag has been present at numerous pivotal moments in Texas history. It was lowered at the Texas Capitol in Austin when the state seceded from the Union in 1861, and raised again when Texas was readmitted in 1870. During the 1936 Texas Centennial celebrations, the flag was a prominent feature, flying over exhibits and events that commemorated 100 years of Texas independence.

Today, you'll find the Lone Star Flag flying everywhere in Texas – from government buildings and schools to front porches and pickup trucks. It's been incorporated into countless logos, t-shirts, and even boots. The flag's design is so iconic that it's instantly recognizable, even when abstracted or stylized.

But the story of Texas flags doesn't begin or end with the Lone Star Flag. To truly understand the state's vexillological history, we need to step back in time to the days of the Texas Revolution, when a diverse array of flags represented the dreams and ideals of those fighting for Texas independence.

Flags of the Texas Revolution: Banners of Rebellion and Independence

While the Lone Star Flag is the most recognizable symbol of Texas today, it wasn't the first flag to represent Texian independence. The Texas Revolution (1835-1836) saw a variety of flags flown by different groups of Texian rebels, each with its own unique design and message. These flags tell the story of a territory in transition, fighting for its independence from Mexico and forging a new identity.

The Gonzales "Come and Take It" Flag

Perhaps the most famous flag from the early days of the Texas Revolution is the Gonzales "Come and Take It" flag. This banner flew over the first battle of the revolution in October 1835, and its defiant message has resonated with Texans ever since.

The flag's design is simple but powerful: a white background with a black cannon in the center, a black five-pointed star above it, and the words "COME AND TAKE IT" in black letters below. The story behind this flag is a testament to the spirit of Texas independence.

In 1831, Mexican authorities had given the settlers of Gonzales a small cannon to defend themselves against Native American raids. As tensions rose between Texas and Mexico in 1835, the Mexican government demanded the return of the cannon. The people of Gonzales, however, had other ideas.

When Mexican troops arrived to reclaim the cannon, the Texians raised this hastily created flag, daring the Mexican forces to try and take the weapon by force. The ensuing skirmish, known as the Battle of Gonzales, marked the beginning of the Texas Revolution.

Today, the "Come and Take It" flag and its message continue to be powerful symbols of Texas defiance and the willingness to stand up against perceived oppression. You'll often see modern versions of this flag, sometimes with the cannon replaced by other symbols, used to express opposition to various political policies.

The Goliad Flag

Another significant flag from this period is the Goliad Flag, also known as the "Bloody Arm" flag. This flag was created by Texian rebels in Goliad in late 1835. Its design features a white background with a partially bare, bloodied arm holding a sword. Below the arm are the words "INDEPENDENCE" in English on one side and "INDEPENDENCIA" in Spanish on the other, reflecting the bilingual nature of the Texian cause.

The symbolism of the Goliad Flag is clear: the bloodied arm represents the willingness of Texians to fight and shed blood for their independence. The sword symbolizes the struggle for freedom, while the bilingual text emphasizes that the desire for independence crossed language barriers.

The Goliad Flag flew over the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad until March 1836, when it was captured by Mexican forces during the Goliad massacre. This tragic event, in which hundreds of Texian prisoners were executed, became a rallying cry for the Texian army, with "Remember Goliad!" joining "Remember the Alamo!" as a battle cry.

The Troutman Flag

Also known as the "Georgia Battalion Flag" or the "Liberty or Death Flag," the Troutman Flag was created by Joanna Troutman, a young woman from Georgia who sympathized with the Texian cause. This flag was carried by a group of Georgia volunteers who came to aid Texas in its fight for independence.

The Troutman Flag features a white star on an azure background, with the Latin phrase "Ubi Libertas Habitat, Ibi Nostra Patria Est" ("Where Liberty Dwells, There Is Our Homeland") on one side, and "Liberty or Death" on the other. The white star on a blue field would later influence the design of the Lone Star Flag.

This flag's journey is a testament to the support Texas received from other parts of the United States during its revolution. It flew over Goliad alongside the Goliad Flag and was present at several key battles of the Texas Revolution.

The Burnet Flag

As the Texas Revolution progressed and the Republic of Texas was declared, there was a need for an official national flag. The first official flag of the Republic of Texas, adopted in December 1836, was known as the Burnet Flag, named after interim president David G. Burnet.

The Burnet Flag consisted of an azure background with a large gold star in the center. This design was simpler than many of the revolution-era flags, perhaps reflecting the new republic's desire to present itself as a unified, sovereign nation rather than a rebellious territory.

While the Burnet Flag served as the national flag of Texas for less than three years before being replaced by the Lone Star Flag, it played a crucial role in establishing Texas's identity as an independent nation. The gold star on a blue field clearly influenced the design of the current state flag, providing a link between the revolutionary period and the enduring symbols of Texas identity.

These flags of the Texas Revolution era – the "Come and Take It" flag, the Goliad Flag, the Troutman Flag, and the Burnet Flag – each represent a different facet of Texas's struggle for independence. They tell stories of defiance, sacrifice, support from allies, and the birth of a new nation. While they may not be as universally recognized as the Lone Star Flag, they remain an integral part of Texas history and continue to inspire Texans to this day.

Texas Flags in the Civil War Era: A Time of Division and Reunion

The Civil War period marked a tumultuous time in Texas history, reflected in the flags that flew over the state during this era. From secession to reconstruction, the flags of this period tell a complex story of divided loyalties and eventual reunification.

The Texas Secession Flag

On February 1, 1861, Texas voted to secede from the Union. As the Lone Star Flag was lowered at the state capitol in Austin, a new flag was raised in its place. This Texas secession flag, sometimes called the "Independence Flag," featured vertical stripes of blue, white, and red (similar to the French tricolor), with a single white star in the center of the blue stripe.

The design of this flag was significant. The white star on a blue field recalled the earlier Burnet Flag, while the overall layout mimicked the "national flag" design that the Confederate States of America would adopt just a month later. This flag's brief moment in the spotlight symbolized Texas's transition from a U.S. state to a Confederate state.

Confederate Flags in Texas

Once Texas joined the Confederacy, several Confederate flags flew over the state. The most common was the first national flag of the Confederacy, known as the "Stars and Bars." This flag featured three horizontal stripes – red, white, red – with a blue canton containing a circle of white stars representing the Confederate states.

However, the similarity between the "Stars and Bars" and the U.S. flag caused confusion on the battlefield, leading to the adoption of the more distinctive "Confederate Battle Flag" – the blue saltire (X-shaped cross) with white stars on a red field. While this was never the official national flag of the Confederacy, it became widely used by Confederate army units, including many from Texas.

The Confederate Battle Flag remains a controversial symbol today, viewed by some as a representation of Southern heritage and by others as a painful reminder of slavery and racial oppression. Its use and display continue to be subjects of heated debate in Texas and across the Southern United States.

The Hood's Texas Brigade Flag

One uniquely Texan flag from the Civil War era is the flag of Hood's Texas Brigade. This Confederate army unit, composed primarily of Texas volunteers, carried a flag that combined elements of the Lone Star Flag and Confederate symbolism. It featured a blue field with a large white star, surrounded by a wreath and the words "TEXAS" and "BRIGADE" in gold.

The Hood's Texas Brigade flag exemplifies how Texans maintained their distinct identity even while fighting for the Confederacy. The brigade's valor in battle made this flag a revered symbol among Confederate veterans in Texas long after the war's end.

Reconstruction and the Return of the Lone Star Flag

After the Civil War, Texas entered the Reconstruction era. During this time, the U.S. flag flew over Texas as the state was governed by federal authorities. However, Texans never forgot their beloved Lone Star Flag.

In 1870, when Texas was readmitted to the Union, the Lone Star Flag was once again raised over the state capitol. This moment symbolized both continuity with Texas's independent past and its reintegration into the United States. The resilience of the Lone Star Flag through this period of upheaval demonstrates its enduring significance to Texan identity, transcending the state's brief association with the Confederacy.

The "Six Flags Over Texas"

The Civil War era added another chapter to the concept of the "Six Flags Over Texas" – a phrase that encapsulates the six nations that have held sovereignty over some or all of the territory that is now the state of Texas. These nations are:

1. Spain (1519-1685; 1690-1821)
2. France (1685-1690)
3. Mexico (1821-1836)
4. Republic of Texas (1836-1845)
5. United States of America (1845-1861; 1865-present)
6. Confederate States of America (1861-1865)

This concept has become an important part of Texas cultural identity, often represented by displaying these six flags together. It's a visual reminder of the state's complex history and the diverse influences that have shaped Texan culture.

The "Six Flags Over Texas" theme has been popularized in various contexts, from historical markers to the name of the famous amusement park chain that originated in Arlington, Texas. It serves as a condensed history lesson, reminding Texans and visitors alike of the many transformations the region has undergone.

The flags of the Civil War era represent a challenging period in Texas history. They tell a story of a state torn between competing loyalties, fighting under different banners, and ultimately reuniting under the enduring symbol of the Lone Star Flag. These flags remind us that the history of Texas, like the history of the United States as a whole, is not always simple or comfortable, but it is always fascinating and worthy of thoughtful reflection.

Modern Texas Flags: Continuity and Innovation

While the Lone Star Flag has remained unchanged since 1839, the flag landscape of Texas continues to evolve. In recent decades, we've seen the creation of new flags representing various aspects of Texas culture, as well as innovative uses of traditional Texas flag imagery.

City and County Flags

Many Texas cities and counties have adopted their own flags, often incorporating elements of the state flag or other symbols of Texas heritage. For example:

• The flag of Houston features a large white star on a blue background, with a steam locomotive (representing industry) and a plough (representing agriculture) inside the star.
• Austin's flag displays the city's coat of arms, which includes a lamp of knowledge representing education, and lampasas crosses symbolizing the city's connection to Stephen F. Austin.
• The Dallas flag features a large red star on a blue and white background, echoing the design of the state flag while establishing its own distinct identity.

These local flags allow communities to express their unique identities while still maintaining a connection to broader Texas symbolism.

The Texas Navy Flag

In 1985, Texas revived its navy as a ceremonial organization to preserve the history of the original Texas Navy that served the Republic of Texas. This modern Texas Navy adopted a flag based on historical descriptions of flags used by Texas naval vessels in the 1830s and 1840s.

The Texas Navy flag features a blue field with a single white star, surrounded by a wreath of live oak and olive branches. This design pays homage to Texas's maritime history and serves as a reminder of the important role the Texas Navy played in securing independence for the Republic of Texas.

Indigenous Flags

In recent years, there's been growing recognition of the flags of Native American tribes with historical ties to Texas. While these aren't official state flags, they represent an important part of Texas's cultural heritage. For example:

• The flag of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas features two warrior figures on a white background, symbolizing the alliance between the Alabama and Coushatta peoples.
• The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas uses a flag with a medicine wheel design, representing the four directions and the cycle of life.

These flags remind us of the diverse cultural tapestry that makes up modern Texas.

The Texas Bicentennial Flag

In 1986, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Texas independence, a special Texas Sesquicentennial flag was created. This flag featured the familiar Lone Star design, but with the dates 1836-1986 added below the star. While not an official state flag, it was widely displayed during the yearlong celebration and can still be seen in some historical contexts.

Variations and Artistic Interpretations

The iconic design of the Lone Star Flag has inspired countless variations and artistic interpretations. From the black and white "thin blue line" versions supporting law enforcement to rainbow-colored adaptations for LGBTQ+ pride events, Texans have found creative ways to express various identities and causes through modifications of their beloved state flag.

These variations, while not official flags, demonstrate how deeply the Lone Star Flag design is embedded in Texas culture and how adaptable it is as a symbol of Texan identity in all its diversity.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Texas Flags

From the defiant "Come and Take It" flag of the Texas Revolution to the modern flags of Texas cities and organizations, the flags of Texas tell a rich and complex story. They speak of a land that has been claimed by six different nations, a people who fought fiercely for their independence, an