Today is Flag Day, in which we honor the adoption of the United States of America flag by the 2nd Continental Congress. The only difference between the originally adopted flag and the one recognized around the world today is the number of stars on the field of blue. However, this has not been the only flag to fly over the Great State of Texas. The state has had six flags over Texas throughout its rich history. So, today we are going to look at these flags.
Spain
In 1519, the first Spanish explorers discovered what is now known as Texas. They explored many lands, including what is now Mexico. In 1681, the Spanish first settled in what is now close to El Paso. Additionally, when Spain reigned over Mexico, Texas was part of Mexico. The Spanish conquered Mexico in 1521 and ruled over it for three hundred years.
France
In the race to colonize the New World, the French were very active in exploring and laying claim to lands in the Americas. Explorer LaSalle claimed parts of Texas for France in 1685. Famously he was killed by his team of explorers in 1687 in Navasota, Texas, not far from Montgomery.
Additionally, when Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Purchase from Napoleon Bonaparte, Texas became a subject of contention. Did it or did it not come with the transaction? Since France had ceded the land to Mexico in 1762, most of Texas was not included in the Louisiana Purchase. Why would France do that? Well, the French invaded Mexico and ruled for about five years. When it lost its ability to rule in 1867, it ceded its claims to land.
Mexico
If you know anything about Texas history, then you know that Texas was part of Mexico. Moses Austin received a land grant in 1820 from Mexico to bring settlers agreeing to be Mexican citizens. His son, Stephen F. Austin, also worked tirelessly to settle Texas under Mexican authority. However, under the dictator Santa Anna, Texians declared their independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos, also not far from Montgomery. Texians infamously won their independence at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, led by General Sam Houston.
Texas
Texas was an independent nation between 1836 and 1845 for almost a decade. Montgomery, Texas is the birthplace of the Texas flag. Texas President Lamar commissioned Montgomery resident, Dr. Charles Stewart, to design the Texas flag. It was adopted in Houston by the 3rd Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1839. In 1997, the Texas House of Representatives officially recognized Montgomery for its claim. Then later, Montgomery patented “Birthplace of the Texas Flag” in 2021.
United States of America
Texas entered the United States as the 28th state in 1845. It came in as a slave state during a tumultuous time in American history. Because Texas is the only state in the U.S. to have been an independent nation, its flag can fly as high as the American flag on adjacent flagpoles. In this situation, the Lone Star Flag does need to fly to the left of America’s flag. Within the Compromise of 1850 at the end of the Mexican-American War, the distinct shape of Texas was settled when parts of Texas became New Mexico, Colorado, and parts of other states.
Confederate States of America
Texas did secede from the United States of America in 1861 along with other Southern states. Although the state was not the scene for many Civil War battles, it did send men and supplies to fight the Union soldiers. The South lost, and Texas was left in turmoil during Reconstruction. Finally, President Grant allowed Texas to rejoin the USA on March 30, 1870. It was once again under the sovereignty of the United States of America and has been since that day.
If you aren’t familiar with Texas history, you just got a quick overview as we looked briefly at the flags over Texas. Hopefully, you noticed how the city of Montgomery, its county, and surrounding places in Grimes and Harris counties played a role in the rich history of Texas. Those places would make great day trips. Even though Flag Day celebrates the adoption of the American flag, it is never bad to reflect on all six flags that have flown over our great state.