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State of Texas
The Lone Star Flag
UseCivil and state flag
Proportion2:3
AdoptedJanuary 25, 1839 (by the Republic of Texas)
Readopted: August 31, 1933 (De facto use 1879–1933)[1]
Design⅓ of the hoist is blue containing a single centered white star. The remaining field is divided horizontally into a white and red bar.
Designed byUnknown[2]

The flag of Texas is the official flag of the U.S. state of Texas. It is well known for its prominent single white star which gives the flag its commonly-used name: "Lone Star Flag." This lone star, in turn, gives rise to the state's nickname: "The Lone Star State." The flag, flown at homes and businesses statewide, is highly popular among Texans and is treated with a great degree of reverence and esteem within Texas. Along with the flag of Hawaii, it is one of two state flags to have previously served as a national flag.[3]

In 2001, the North American Vexillological Association surveyed its members on the designs of the 72 U.S. state, territorial, and Canadian provincial flags and ranked the Texas flag 2nd, behind New Mexico.[4]

Flag design

The state flag is officially described by law as:

a rectangle that: (1) has a width to length ratio of two to three; and (2) contains: (A) one blue vertical stripe that has a width equal to one-third the length of the flag; (B) two equal horizontal stripes, the upper stripe white, the lower stripe red, each having a length equal to two-thirds the length of the flag; and (C) one white, regular five-pointed star: (i) located in the center of the blue stripe; (ii) oriented so that one point faces upward; and (iii) sized so that the diameter of a circle passing through the five points of the star is equal to three-fourths the width of the blue stripe.[5]

History and adoption

Lone Star Flag, flying on the Houston Ship Channel tour boat, on April 2, 2016.

Legislation authorizing this flag was introduced in the Congress of the Republic of Texas on December 28, 1838, by Senator William H. Wharton[1] and the flag was adopted on January 25, 1839, as the final national flag of the Republic of Texas.[1] "Accompanying the original Act ... is a drawing by Peter Krag of the national flag and seal ... although in the original President Lamar's approval and signature are at the top and upside down[.]" [6] When Texas became the 28th U.S. state on December 29, 1845, the national flag became the state flag. From 1879 until 1933 there was no official state flag, although the Lone Star Flag remained the de facto state flag; in adopting the Revised Civil Statutes of 1879,[7] the Legislature repealed all statutes not expressly continued in force; since the statutes pertaining to the flag were not among those renewed, Texas was formally flagless until the passage of the 1933 flag law.[1]

The actual designer of the flag is unknown.[1] Some claim that Dr. Charles B. Stewart is either the designer of the flag or drew the image used by the Third Congress when enacting the legislation adopting the flag.[8][9] However, Stewart's drawing "looks suspiciously like a tracing of the Peter Krag art, including the upside down signature of President Lamar."[6]  

Colors and symbolism

The exact shades of red, white, and blue to be used in the flag are specified by Texas statute[10] to be the same as those of the flag of the United States, which are:

Color Cable color Pantone[11] Web color[12] RGB Values
  Red 70180 193 C #BF0D3E (191,13,62)
  White 70000 Safe #FFFFFF (255,255,255)
  Dark Blue 70075 281 C #00205B (0,32,91)

The Texas Flag Code assigns the following symbolism to the colors of the Texas flag: blue stands for loyalty, white for purity, and red for bravery.[13] The code also states that the single (lone) star "represents ALL of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State, and Country."

The idea of the single red stripe and single white stripe actually dates back to the short-lived Republic of Fredonia, a small state near modern Nacogdoches which seceded from Mexico in 1826 before being forcibly re-integrated. The new state was formed through an alliance between local Anglo settlers and Native American tribes and the Fredonian flag used a white and red stripe to symbolize the two ethnic/racial groups from which the state was formed.[14] Though this rebellion ultimately failed it served as an inspiration to the later Texas Revolution.

The idea of the "lone star" is, in fact, an older symbol predating the flag which was used to symbolize Texans' solidarity in declaring independence from Mexico.[15] A similar lone star was on the "Burnet Flag," which resembled the flag of the short-lived Republic of West Florida.[16] The "Lone Star" is still seen today as a symbol of Texas' independent spirit, and gave rise to the state's official nickname "The Lone Star State."

Pledge of allegiance and flag protocol

Proper vertical display of the Texas flag

The pledge of allegiance to the state flag is as follows:

Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.[17]

The pledge was instituted by the Texas Legislature in 1933. The pledge originally referred to the "Texas flag of 1836" (which was the Burnet Flag, and not the Lone Star Flag then in use). In 1965, the error was corrected by deleting the words "of 1836" because the current flag was not officially adopted by the Texas government until 1839. In 2007, the phrase "one state under God" was added.[17] The addition of "under God" has been challenged in court, though an injunction was denied.[18] As of 2001 (amended 2017),[19] recite the pledge by holding your head cover with your right hand and placing that hand over your heart; if in uniform, however, render a military salute. The Texas Pledge is always recited after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag every morning in the majority of schools across the state.

The flag is required by law to be displayed on or near the main administration building of each state institution during each state or national holiday, and on any special occasion of historical significance,[5] permanently above both doors of the Texas State Capitol, alone at the north door, and under the U.S. flag at the south door, with the exception being if the flags are at half mast or if the POW/MIA flag is being flown with the U.S. flag; in which event the Texas flag shall only fly at the North Door.[20] State law also requires that the state flag be flown at or near any International Port of Entry.[21] When displayed vertically, the blue stripe should be at top and, from the perspective of an observer, the white stripe should be to the left of the red stripe.[22]

Historical flags of Texas

National flags over Texas

See also: Six flags over Texas
  • 1685–1689 French flag possibly used by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, during the French colonization of Texas
    1685–1689
    French flag possibly used by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, during the French colonization of Texas
  • 1689–1785 State flag and ensign of New Spain, also known as the Cross of Burgundy flag
    1689–1785
    State flag and ensign of New Spain, also known as the Cross of Burgundy flag
  • 1785–1821 Spanish state flag on land
    1785–1821
    Spanish state flag on land
  • 1812–1813 The flag of the Gutiérrez–Magee Expedition, sometimes called the "first Republic of Texas," which encompassed land from San Antonio to Nacogdoches and Goliad.[23]
    1812–1813
    The flag of the Gutiérrez–Magee Expedition, sometimes called the "first Republic of Texas," which encompassed land from San Antonio to Nacogdoches and Goliad.[23]
  • 1819–1821 One of the flags of the Long Expedition, sometimes called the "second Republic of Texas," from 1819–1821. This flag was known as the Jane Long flag, named after Dr. James Long's wife. This is also the first Lone Star flag.[24]
    1819–1821
    One of the flags of the Long Expedition, sometimes called the "second Republic of Texas," from 1819–1821. This flag was known as the Jane Long flag, named after Dr. James Long's wife. This is also the first Lone Star flag.[24]
  • 1821 Another flag of the Long Expedition, sometimes called the "second Republic of Texas." This flag was known as the James Long flag, named after Dr. James Long. Stripes were added to entice Americans to help James on his second attempt to claim Texas, though they controlled only Nacogdoches.[25]
    1821
    Another flag of the Long Expedition, sometimes called the "second Republic of Texas." This flag was known as the James Long flag, named after Dr. James Long. Stripes were added to entice Americans to help James on his second attempt to claim Texas, though they controlled only Nacogdoches.[25]
  • 1821–1823 Flag of the first Mexican Empire
    1821–1823
    Flag of the first Mexican Empire
  • 1823–1836 First flag of the Mexican Republic, flown over soil claimed by Mexico until the Texas Revolution
    1823–1836
    First flag of the Mexican Republic, flown over soil claimed by Mexico until the Texas Revolution
  • 1826-1827 The Republic of Fredonia claimed land within Edward's land grant and its capital was Nacogdoches. [26]
    1826-1827
    The Republic of Fredonia claimed land within Edward's land grant and its capital was Nacogdoches. [26]
  • 1836–1839 The "Burnet Flag," used from December 1836 to 1839 as the national flag of the Republic of Texas until it was replaced by the currently used "Lone Star Flag"[27]
    1836–1839
    The "Burnet Flag," used from December 1836 to 1839 as the national flag of the Republic of Texas until it was replaced by the currently used "Lone Star Flag"[27]
  • 1836–1839 The Lone Star and Stripes/Ensign of the First Texas Navy/War Ensign ; it was the de facto national flag between 1835 and 1839
    1836–1839
    The Lone Star and Stripes/Ensign of the First Texas Navy/War Ensign ; it was the de facto national flag between 1835 and 1839
  • 1839–1845/1846 Republic of Texas national flag from 1839-1845/1846 (identical to modern state flag)
    1839–1845/1846
    Republic of Texas national flag from 1839-1845/1846 (identical to modern state flag)
  • 1840 Republic of the Rio Grande, though not generally recognized as a historical flag of Texas outside of Laredo.
    1840
    Republic of the Rio Grande, though not generally recognized as a historical flag of Texas outside of Laredo.
  • 1846–1847, US flag in 1846 when Texas became part of the Union (for further US flags, see US flag: Historical progression of designs)
    1846–1847,
    US flag in 1846 when Texas became part of the Union (for further US flags, see US flag: Historical progression of designs)
  • 1861–1865 CS flag in 1861 when Texas became a part of the Confederacy (for further CS flags, see CS flag: National flags)
    1861–1865
    CS flag in 1861 when Texas became a part of the Confederacy (for further CS flags, see CS flag: National flags)

Pre-Revolutionary flags

  • Emerald flag of Augustus W. Magee and Bernardo Gutierrez's short-lived coup of 1812-1813 which was the first Republic of Texas.
    Emerald flag of Augustus W. Magee and Bernardo Gutierrez's short-lived coup of 1812-1813 which was the first Republic of Texas.
  • 1816–17 – Used by Louis-Michel Aury as Civil and Military Governor of Texas
    1816–17 – Used by Louis-Michel Aury as Civil and Military Governor of Texas
  • 1817–21 – Used by pirate Jean Lafitte at Galveston Island
    1817–21 – Used by pirate Jean Lafitte at Galveston Island
  • Jane Long Flag (1819), named after James Long's wife. The first uniquely Texan flag to predominantly feature a lone star which was flown over Nacogdoches as a republic of Texas, or the Second Republic of Texas.
    Jane Long Flag (1819), named after James Long's wife. The first uniquely Texan flag to predominantly feature a lone star which was flown over Nacogdoches as a republic of Texas, or the Second Republic of Texas.
  • 1821 - Colonel James Long's flag – the second of the Texas flags with a Lone Star after the "Jane Long" flag, which was the successor to the previous flag stated. It was to get Americans to join James' second attempt at creating a Texas republic.
    1821 - Colonel James Long's flag – the second of the Texas flags with a Lone Star after the "Jane Long" flag, which was the successor to the previous flag stated. It was to get Americans to join James' second attempt at creating a Texas republic.
  • 1826 – Flag of the Fredonian Rebellion
    1826 – Flag of the Fredonian Rebellion
  • Purported flag of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas, though the style and color of the stars are speculative.
    Purported flag of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas, though the style and color of the stars are speculative.

Revolutionary flags

During revolutionary eras of Texas history, during the Spanish Texas period, Mexican Texas period, and the times of the Texas Revolution, a great number and variety of flags appeared.

  • The Come and Take It Flag – 1835 – This flag was used by Texas settlers fighting under John Henry Moore at the Battle of Gonzales in October 1835
    The Come and Take It Flag – 1835 – This flag was used by Texas settlers fighting under John Henry Moore at the Battle of Gonzales in October 1835
  • 1835 – Flag Flown over the Goliad Declaration of Independence; possibly the "Bloody arm flag" reported to have accompanied the Dodson flag at the Texas Declaration of Independence
    1835 – Flag Flown over the Goliad Declaration of Independence; possibly the "Bloody arm flag" reported to have accompanied the Dodson flag at the Texas Declaration of Independence
  • "The Alamo Flag" – 1835–1836 – Created in 1835, this flag was a reference to the Mexican constitution of 1824, in support of which the Texas rebels were fighting; supposedly flew at the Alamo
    "The Alamo Flag" – 1835–1836 – Created in 1835, this flag was a reference to the Mexican constitution of 1824, in support of which the Texas rebels were fighting; supposedly flew at the Alamo
  • 1836 – Brown Flag of Independence, possibly the "Bloody arm flag" reported to have accompanied the Dodson flag at the Texas Declaration of Independence
    1836 – Brown Flag of Independence, possibly the "Bloody arm flag" reported to have accompanied the Dodson flag at the Texas Declaration of Independence
  • The Dodson Tricolor or the Dodson Flag - Designed and sewn by a Mrs. Sarah Dodson during the Revolution
    The Dodson Tricolor or the Dodson Flag - Designed and sewn by a Mrs. Sarah Dodson during the Revolution
  • Flag designed by Stephen F. Austin between December 1835 and January 1836 while serving as a commissioner to the United States
    Flag designed by Stephen F. Austin between December 1835 and January 1836 while serving as a commissioner to the United States
  • Speculative design of the amended Zavala flag based on the amendments in the remaining Washington-On-The-Brazos convention notes
    Speculative design of the amended Zavala flag based on the amendments in the remaining Washington-On-The-Brazos convention notes
  • Speculative design of the amended Zavala flag based on the amendments in the remaining Washington-On-The-Brazos convention notes
    Speculative design of the amended Zavala flag based on the amendments in the remaining Washington-On-The-Brazos convention notes
  • Speculative design of the amended Zavala flag based on the July 7, 1836 issue of The New York American.[28]
    Speculative design of the amended Zavala flag based on the July 7, 1836 issue of The New York American.[28]
  • The Zavala Flag - The purported first official flag of the Republic of Texas, reportedly designed by Lorenzo de Zavala
    The Zavala Flag - The purported first official flag of the Republic of Texas, reportedly designed by Lorenzo de Zavala
  • 1836–1839; 1839–1879 The "Burnet Flag," used from 1836 to 1839 as the national flag of the Republic of Texas until it was replaced by the currently used "Lone Star Flag"
    1836–1839; 1839–1879
    The "Burnet Flag," used from 1836 to 1839 as the national flag of the Republic of Texas until it was replaced by the currently used "Lone Star Flag"
  • 1836–39 – The Lone Star and Stripes/Ensign of the First Texas Navy/War Ensign; it was the de facto national flag between 1835-1839
    1836–39 – The Lone Star and Stripes/Ensign of the First Texas Navy/War Ensign; it was the de facto national flag between 1835-1839
  • Captain William Scott's Liberals carried this flag in the Battle of Concepcion on October 28, 1835
    Captain William Scott's Liberals carried this flag in the Battle of Concepcion on October 28, 1835
  • Troutman flag under which the Georgia Battalion of Volunteers led by William Ward marched to Texas to participate in the fight against Mexico
    Troutman flag under which the Georgia Battalion of Volunteers led by William Ward marched to Texas to participate in the fight against Mexico
  • Inspired by Gail Borden Jr., this flag was claimed to have been flown at the Battle of San Jacinto
    Inspired by Gail Borden Jr., this flag was claimed to have been flown at the Battle of San Jacinto
  • Captain George H. Burroughs and company from Ohio came to Texas under this banner
    Captain George H. Burroughs and company from Ohio came to Texas under this banner
  • The New Orleans Grays led by Captains Thomas H. Breece and Robert C. Morris participated in driving the Mexicans from San Antonio and many were massacred at Goliad
    The New Orleans Grays led by Captains Thomas H. Breece and Robert C. Morris participated in driving the Mexicans from San Antonio and many were massacred at Goliad
  • The flag of the Red Rovers of Alabama who were captured at the Battle of Coleto Creek on March 20, 1836 and were executed on March 27, 1836
    The flag of the Red Rovers of Alabama who were captured at the Battle of Coleto Creek on March 20, 1836 and were executed on March 27, 1836
  • San Jacinto Liberty Flag – The Sherman regiment carried this flag to victory at the decisive battle of San Jacinto
    San Jacinto Liberty Flag – The Sherman regiment carried this flag to victory at the decisive battle of San Jacinto
  • 1840 – Republic of the Rio Grande, which claimed control over a large section of South Texas
    1840 – Republic of the Rio Grande, which claimed control over a large section of South Texas
  • This banner was carried by volunteers comprising Capt. Andrew Robinson's company from Harrisburg and designed by Sarah Rudolph Bradley Dodson in Sep 1835 for her husband, 1st Lt. A.B. Dodson and colleagues[29]
    This banner was carried by volunteers comprising Capt. Andrew Robinson's company from Harrisburg and designed by Sarah Rudolph Bradley Dodson in Sep 1835 for her husband, 1st Lt. A.B. Dodson and colleagues[29]

The Lone Star and Stripes/Ensign of the First Texas Navy/War Ensign flag was widely used by both Texan land and naval forces. This flag was simply the United States flag with a Lone star in the canton. This flag echoes an earlier design, carried by the forces of James Long in failed 1819 and 1821 attempts to separate Texas from Spanish control. This earlier flag was exactly the same, save for the canton having a red background rather than blue. There is evidence that the Lone Star and Stripes was used at the battles of Goliad, the Alamo, and San Jacinto, and the first Congress of the Republic of Texas as convened under it in 1836. Although interim President David Burnet issued a decree making the Lone Star and Stripes the first official flag of the Republic of Texas, it never became the legal national flag. It did remain the naval flag of Texas until annexation, and was noted for being "beneficial to our [Texan] Navy and Merchantmen" due to its resemblance to the U.S. flag. Despite its unofficial status, the flag remained well known inside the region and internationally as the symbol of Texas. The official blue and gold "Burnett Flag," on the other hand, was little known by Texans, and no contemporary illustrations of it have been discovered except for on the first series 2 dollar note of the Texas Dollar. An 1837 chart of national flags printed in Philadelphia showed the Lone Star and Stripes as the national flag of Texas, and Texas Senator Oliver Jones, who led the 1839 committee which approved the Lone Star Flag, was unaware that the Lone Star and Stripes was not the current official flag.[30] Later, prior to the American Civil War, this flag was carried by Floridian militiamen in Pensacola during the seizure of U.S. property in that city.[citation needed]

The "Come and Take It Flag" was created by the people of Gonzales, featuring the phrase, a black five pointed star, and the image of the town cannon Mexican forces had demanded they turn over. In March 1831, Juan Gomez, a lieutenant in the Mexican Army, granted a small cannon to the colony of San Antonio. It was then transported to Gonzales, Texas and later was the object of Texas pride. At the minor skirmish known as the Battle of Gonzales, a small group of Texans successfully resisted the Mexican forces who had orders to seize their cannon. As a symbol of defiance, the Texans had fashioned a flag containing the phrase along with a black star and an image of the cannon which they had received six years earlier from Mexican officials.

The so-called "Alamo Flag" or "1824 flag" was created by replacing the Eagle in the center of the Mexican tricolor with the year "1824," referencing the 1824 Constitution of Mexico, in support of which Texas was fighting. This was the first flag approved for use by rebel forces by a Texan legislative body. In 1835, the Texan provisional government approved the use of this flag for privateers preying on Mexican commerce. It has often been said that the 1824 flag was flown by Texan forces at the Battle of the Alamo. However, this was never alleged until 1860, long after the battle had occurred. Modern writers have pointed out that the presence of the 1824 flag at the time and place of the battle is highly unlikely. A similar flag was flown at least briefly by Texan Tejano forces, featuring two black, six pointed stars in place of the date. It is likely that the actual "Alamo flag" referred to by accounts of the time was the Lone Star and Stripes, which had been depicted in use at earlier battles such as Goliad, and was widely referred to as the "Texian flag."[31]

The Dodson Tricolor or Dodson flag was designed and sewn by a Mrs. Sarah Dodson during the Revolution. It resembled the flag of Revolutionary France, but with longer proportions and the Texan Lone Star in the canton. Stephen F. Austin was initially so alarmed by the obvious symbolism that he requested the flag not be used, but it nevertheless flew over Texan forces in Cibolo Creek, and may have been the first Texan flag raised over San Antonio. The flag was one of two that flew over the small cabin in which Texas delegates ratified their declaration of independence.

Republic of Texas flags

  • 1836–1839; 1839–1879 The "Burnet Flag," used from 1836 to 1839 as the national flag of the Republic of Texas until it was replaced by the currently used "Lone Star Flag"; it was the de jure war flag from then until 1879
    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag1836–1839; 1839–1879 Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
    The "Burnet Flag," used from 1836 to 1839 as the national flag of the Republic of Texas until it was replaced by the currently used "Lone Star Flag"; it was the de jure war flag from then until 1879
  • 1836–1839 War ensign and de facto national flag between 1835–1839; it was also the ensign of the First Texas Navy from 1836–1839; it was prominently featured on the $10 and $50 notes of the Texas dollar
    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag1836–1839
    War ensign and de facto national flag between 1835–1839; it was also the ensign of the First Texas Navy from 1836–1839; it was prominently featured on the $10 and $50 notes of the Texas dollar
  • 1839–1845/6 The "Lone Star Flag," the Republic of Texas national flag from 1839-1845/6; official naval ensign for the Texas Navy from 1839
    1839–1845/6
    The "Lone Star Flag," the Republic of Texas national flag from 1839-1845/6; official naval ensign for the Texas Navy from 1839
  • 1839–1845 Revenue Service flag
    1839–1845
    Revenue Service flag
  • 1839–1845 Coasting Trader ensign
    1839–1845
    Coasting Trader ensign
  • 1839–1845 Pilot flag/Civil ensign
    1839–1845
    Pilot flag/Civil ensign

The Burnet Flag was adopted by the Texan Congress on December 10, 1836. The name refers David G. Burnet, who was provisional president of the Republic of Texas when the flag was adopted.[1] It consisted of an azure background with a large golden star, inspired by the 1810 "Bonnie Blue Flag" of the Republic of West Florida.[32] Variants of the Burnet Flag with a white star, virtually identical to the Bonnie Blue Flag, were also common. Other variants featured the star (of either color) upside down, and/or ringed with the word TEXAS, with each letter filling one of the gaps of the star.

State flags over Texas

Secession flags of Texas, 1861

In early 1861, between the secession of Texas from the U.S. and its accession to the Confederacy, Texas flew an unofficial, variant flag of Texas with fifteen stars, representing the fifteen slave states. No drawings exist of the flag; there are only imprecise descriptions. The flag may have been based on the state flag or the Bonnie Blue Flag.[33]

  • Possible secession flag based on the state flag
    Possible secession flag based on the state flag
  • Possible secession flag based on the Bonnie Blue Flag
    Possible secession flag based on the Bonnie Blue Flag

Civil War flags

Various flags used by Texan soldiers during the American Civil War.

  • Flag of the 11th Texas Cavalry (Obverse)
    Flag of the 11th Texas Cavalry (Obverse)
  • Flag of the 11th Texas Cavalry (Reverse)
    Flag of the 11th Texas Cavalry (Reverse)
  • (1862–1865) 17th and 18th Texas Cavalry
    (1862–1865) 17th and 18th Texas Cavalry
  • This flag flew over the Alamo when Texas seceded in 1861; it was later given to Hood's Texas Brigade[34]
    This flag flew over the Alamo when Texas seceded in 1861; it was later given to Hood's Texas Brigade[34]
  • 32nd Texas Cavalry Wood's Regiment. (1862)
    32nd Texas Cavalry Wood's Regiment. (1862)
  • Company B. 4th Texas Hood's Brigade. Was most likely used as a camp flag or a flank marker.
    Company B. 4th Texas Hood's Brigade. Was most likely used as a camp flag or a flank marker.
  • Flag of the 1st Texas Volunteer Infantry Regiment (August 1861 – April 1865)
    Flag of the 1st Texas Volunteer Infantry Regiment (August 1861 – April 1865)
  • Flag of the 20th Regiment Texas Volunteer Infantry
    Flag of the 20th Regiment Texas Volunteer Infantry
  • Army of New Mexico (late 1861 - 1862)
    Army of New Mexico (late 1861 - 1862)
  • Flag of Waul's Legion (Spring 1862 - July 4, 1863)[35]
    Flag of Waul's Legion (Spring 1862 - July 4, 1863)[35]
  • The flag of the 26th Texas Cavalry Regiment
    The flag of the 26th Texas Cavalry Regiment
  • Flag of Terry's Texas Rangers (1861–1865)[36]
    Flag of Terry's Texas Rangers (1861–1865)[36]

Centennial flag of Texas, 1936

This flag was created for the Texas Centennial Exposition of 1936, a world fair located in Dallas to mark the 100th anniversary of Texas independence.[37]

  • Flag celebrating the 100th anniversary of Texas independence
    Flag celebrating the 100th anniversary of Texas independence

Urban legend

The Texas flag flying below the US flag at the Texas State Capitol

It is a common urban legend that the Texas flag is the only state flag that is allowed to fly at the same height as the U.S. flag.[38] However, the legend is false.[39] Neither the Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas to the United States nor the Ordinance of Annexation[40] contain any provisions regarding flags. According to the United States Flag Code, any state flag can be flown at the same height as the U.S. flag, but the U.S. flag should be on its right (the viewer's left). Consistent with the U.S. Flag Code, the Texas Flag Code specifies that the state flag should either be flown below the U.S. flag if on the same pole or at the same height as the U.S. flag if on separate poles.[13]

Proposed Governor's flag

Legislation was introduced to the Texas Legislature in 2007 and 2009 to adopt the 1839 pilot flag/civil ensign of the Republic of Texas as the official flag of the Governor of Texas, but the bills did not pass
See also: Flags of the Governors of the U.S. States

The Texas governor currently uses a flag consisting of the state coat of arms (a lone star encircled by live oak and olive branches) on a light blue circle, all on a dark blue field with a white star in each corner. The flag has been in use since the late 1960s or early 1970s. The design has never been formally adopted by executive order or legislation. Legislation was introduced to the Texas Legislature in 2007[41] and 2009[42] to adopt the 1839 pilot flag/civil ensign of the Republic of Texas as the official flag of the Governor of Texas. While the 2007 bill died in committee, the 2009 bill was passed by the House but died in a Senate committee due to the flag's similarity to the flag of Russia.[citation needed]

Amendments to the Texas Flag Code, signed into law in 1993, authorize the Governor to adopt a flag of his or her own choosing, but this executive authority has not been exercised.[43]

Similar flags

  • Texas's flag is similar to the flag of Chile, first used in 1817. However, the Chilean flag has a blue canton with a white star rather than the entire left side being blue. The red bottom stripe begins below the canton. The Chilean Flag predates the Lone Star Flag by 22 years.[44]
  • The Republic of the Rio Grande flag was similar to Texas' only in that there were three stars with a red hoist, and black and white bars on the side instead of one star with a blue hoist and white and red bars. It is currently the flag of Laredo, Texas, its proposed capital.
  • The flag of North Carolina is similar to the flag of Texas; North Carolina's flag has the same basic pattern as Texas's; however, the colors of the fly are reversed. In addition, the star in the hoist is smaller and is surrounded by scrolls and lettering. The Lone Star Flag predates North Carolina's current flag by 47 years.[45]
  • The flag of Texas is similar to the "Flag of Céspedes" or "flag of La Demajagua," one of the two flags used during the Cuban War of Independence.[46]
  • Flag of Chile
    Flag of Chile
  • Flag of the Republic of the Rio Grande
    Flag of the Republic of the Rio Grande
  • Flag of the U.S. state of North Carolina
    Flag of the U.S. state of North Carolina
  • Flag of La Demajagua
    Flag of La Demajagua

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Flags of Texas from the Handbook of Texas Online
  2. ^ Vexillological Assn. of the State of Texas. "The Stewart Myth". Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  3. ^ E. Joe Deering (21 September 2009). Lovin' That Lone Star Flag. Texas A&M University Press. p. 4. ISBN 978-1-60344-148-3.
  4. ^ Archive.org copy of now-offline NAVA survey results
  5. ^ a b "GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 3100. STATE FLAG". state.tx.us. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  6. ^ a b Charles A. Spain, Jr. The Flags and Seals of Texas." South Tex. Law Rev. 33 (1992): pp. 215-259.
  7. ^ AL. "Revised Civil and Criminal Statutes of Texas, 1879". texas.gov. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  8. ^ Vexillological Assn. of the State of Texas. "The Stewart Myth". Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  9. ^ [Stewart, Charles Bellinger Tate from the Handbook of Texas Online]
  10. ^ "GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 3100. STATE FLAG". state.tx.us. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  11. ^ The Pantone color equivalents for Old Glory Blue and Red are listed on U.S. Flag Facts Archived 2009-02-23 at the Wayback Machine at the U.S. Embassy's London site.
  12. ^ The RGB color values are taken from the Pantone Color Finder at Pantone.com.
  13. ^ a b "GOVERNMENT CODE: CHAPTER 3100. STATE FLAG". State of Texas. 2001-09-01. Archived from the original on 2007-10-13. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  14. ^ Preble, George Henry; Asnis, Charles Edward (1917). Origin history American flag naval yacht-club signals, seals arms, principal national songs United States, chronicle symbols, standards, banners, flags ancient modern nations. Philadelphia: Central Press Co. p. 635.
  15. ^ Francaviglia, Richard V. (1996). The Shape of Texas: Maps as Metaphors. Texas A&M University Press. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-89096-664-8.
  16. ^ Allman, T.D. (2013). Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8021-2076-2.
  17. ^ a b "Pledge of allegiance to the state flag". Texas State Library and Archives Commission. State of Texas. 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  18. ^ David Wallace Croft, "State Pledge."
  19. ^ "GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 3100. STATE FLAG". Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  20. ^ "GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 443. STATE PRESERVATION BOARD". state.tx.us. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  21. ^ "TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 201. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATION". state.tx.us. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  22. ^ "GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 3100. STATE FLAG". state.tx.us. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  23. ^ "Flags of Texas Independence Movements". 2016-10-14. Archived from the original on 2016-10-14. Retrieved 2019-06-17.
  24. ^ "Flags of Texas Independence Movements". 2016-10-14. Archived from the original on 2016-10-14. Retrieved 2019-06-17.
  25. ^ "Long Expedition", Wikipedia, 2019-04-23, retrieved 2019-06-17
  26. ^ Editors, History com. "Edwards declares the Texas Republic of Fredonia". HISTORY. Retrieved 2019-06-17. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  27. ^ "Flags of Texas". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  28. ^ "Texas Heritage Society - History of the First Flag of the Republic of Texas". www.texasheritagesociety.org. Retrieved 2018-10-20.
  29. ^ "Flags of Texas Independence Movements". 2016-10-14. Archived from the original on 2016-10-14. Retrieved 2019-06-17.
  30. ^ Maberry, Robert, Jr. (2001). Texas Flags. College Station: Texas A&M University Press. pp. 28–38. ISBN 978-1-58544-151-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ Maberry, Robert, Jr. (2001). Texas Flags. College Station: Texas A&M University Press. pp. 11, 26, 28–32. ISBN 978-1-58544-151-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ Allman, T.D. (2013). Finding Florida The True History of the Sunshine State (First ed.). New York: Atlantic Monthly Press. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8021-2076-2.
  33. ^ Kiel, Frank Wilson (January 2000). "A Fifteen-Star Texas Flag: A Banner Used at the Time of Secession: February 1861 and March 1861". The Southwestern Historical Quarterly. 103 (3): 356–365. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
  34. ^ "1861 Secessionist Flag | Bullock Texas State History Museum". www.thestoryoftexas.com. Retrieved 2019-06-18.
  35. ^ "GLENBLYTHE PLANTATION". tshaonline.org. 2010-06-15. Retrieved 2019-12-24.
  36. ^ CUTRER, THOMAS W. (2010-06-12). "EIGHTH TEXAS CAVALRY [TERRY'S TEXAS RANGERS]". tshaonline.org. Retrieved 2019-12-24.
  37. ^ "Historic Flags of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission - Texas Centennial Flag, 1936 | TSLAC". www.tsl.texas.gov. Retrieved 2019-02-16.
  38. ^ Texas English, from the "Do You Speak American?" series. Article by Jan Tillery and Guy Bailey of the University of Texas at San Antonio.
  39. ^ "snopes.com: Texas Flag Flies at the Same Height as the U.S. Flag?". snopes.com. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  40. ^ "Ordinance of Annexation Approved by the Texas Convention on July 4, 1845 - TSLAC". state.tx.us. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  41. ^ "80(R) History for HB 3661". www.legis.state.tx.us. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
  42. ^ "81(R) History for HB 2500". www.legis.state.tx.us. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
  43. ^ "73(R) HB 1463 Enrolled version - Bill Text". www.legis.state.tx.us. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
  44. ^ C. Herndon Williams (7 May 2013). True Tales of the Texas Frontier: Eight Centuries of Adventure and Surprise. The History Press. pp. 60–. ISBN 978-1-62584-167-4.
  45. ^ Texas flags. Texas A&M University Press. pp. 173–. ISBN 978-1-60344-369-2.
  46. ^ Ignacio Ramonet; Fidel Castro (11 March 2008). Fidel Castro: My Life: A Spoken Autobiography. Simon and Schuster. pp. 144–. ISBN 978-1-4165-6250-4.

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