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Flag of Texas

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 168.9.40.241 (talk) at 14:33, 5 September 2012 (→The Lone Star and Stripes/Ensign of the First Texas Navy). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Texas (The Lone Star Flag)
The Lone Star Flag
UseCivil and state flag
Proportion2:3
AdoptedAugust 31, 1933 (originally adopted on January 25, 1839, de facto used between 1879-1933)
Design1/3 of the hoist is blue containing a single centered white star. The remaining field is divided horizontally into a white and red bar.
Designed byCharles B. Stewart, Signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence
Commissioned by President Mirabeau B. Lamar

The Flag of the State of Texas is defined by law as follows:

The state flag consists of a rectangle with a width to length ratio of two to three containing: (1) a blue vertical stripe one-third the entire length of the flag wide, and two equal horizontal stripes, the upper stripe white, the lower red, each two-thirds the entire length of the flag long; and (2) a white, regular five-pointed star in the center of the blue stripe, oriented so that one point faces upward, and of such a size 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. The red and blue of the state flag are the same colors used in the United States flag.[1]

The Texas flag is known as the "Lone Star Flag" (giving rise to the state's nickname "The Lone Star State"). This flag was introduced to the Congress of the Republic of Texas on December 28, 1838, by Senator William H. Wharton.[2] It was adopted on January 25, 1839 as the final national flag of the Republic of Texas.[2]

Montgomery County is officially the birthplace of the Texas flag. The actual design of the Lone Star Flag remained a mystery until the Texas House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1123 in 1997 commemorating Montgomery County as the flag's official birthplace.[3] Dr. Charles B. Stewart is credited with creating the inspirational banner of the State of Texas.

When Texas became the 28th state of the Union on December 29, 1845, its national flag became the state flag. While the Lone Star remained the de facto state flag, from 1879 until 1933 there was no official state flag. All statutes not explicitly renewed were repealed under the Revised Civil Statutes of 1879, and since the statutes pertaining to the flag were not among those renewed, Texas was formally flagless until the passage of the 1933 Texas Flag Code.[2] The official Pantone shades for the Texas flag are 193 (red) and 281 (dark blue).[4] 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.

In 2001, a survey conducted by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) rated the Texas state flag second best in design quality out of the 72 Canadian provincial, U.S. state and U.S. territory flags ranked. The flag earned 8.13 out of 10 possible points.[5]

Colors

The exact shades of red, white, and blue to be used in the flag are specified by Texas statute[6] to be the same as those of the Flag of the United States, which are as follows:

Color Cable color Pantone[7] Web Color[8] RGB Values
  Dark Red 70180 193 C #BF0A30 (191,10,48)
  White 70001 Safe #FFFFFF (255,255,255)
  Navy Blue 70075 281 C #002868 (0,40,104)

Flag protocol

Proper vertical display of the Texas flag

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,[9] permanently above both doors of the Texas State Capitol, alone at the north door, and under the US 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 US flag; in which event the Texas flag shall only fly at the North Door. [10] State law also requires that the state flag be flown at or near any International Port of Entry.[11] 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.[12]

Symbolism

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.[4] The code also states that single (lone) star "represents ALL of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State, and Country." The "lone star" is, in fact, an older symbol predating the flag which was used to symbolize Texans' solidarity in declaring independence from Mexico.[13] It is still seen today as a symbol of Texas' independent spirit, and gave rise to the state's official nickname "The Lone Star State".

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.

Pledge of allegiance

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.[15]

The pledge was instituted by the Texas Legislature in 1933, and 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". In 2007, the phrase "one state under God" was added.[15] The addition of "under God" has been challenged in court, though an injunction was denied.[16]

Revolutionary Flags

During the Texas Revolution, a great number and variety of flags appeared. Some of the most well-known are listed:

The Lone Star and Stripes/Ensign of the First Texas Navy

File:Texas Lone Star and Stripes.svg
Texas Lone Star and Stripes

This 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 Domonique Gillis in a failed 1818 attempt 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. 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 US 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. 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.[17] Later, prior to the American Civil War, this flag was carried by Florida Militia in Pensacola during the seizure of Federal property in that city.[citation needed]

The Come and Take It Flag

The Come and Take It flag
Main article: Come and take it

This 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. The small bronze cannon was received by the colony and signed for by Randy Tumlinson. 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 Alamo Flag

The Alamo Flag

This 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".[18]

The Dodson Tricolor

The Dodson Flag

This 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.

The Burnet Flag

The Burnet Flag (1836–1839)

The Burnet Flag was adopted by the Texan Congress on December 10, 1836.[2] It consisted of an azure background with a large golden star, inspired by the 1810 "Bonnie Blue Flag" of the Republic of West Florida.[citation needed]

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.

Historical Flags

National Flags over Texas

See also: Six flags over Texas

Revolutionary flags

  • Emerald flag of Augustus W. Magee and Bernardo Gutierrez's short-lived coup of 1812-1813.
    Emerald flag of Augustus W. Magee and Bernardo Gutierrez's short-lived coup of 1812-1813.
  • 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 Jean Lafitte at Galveston Island
    1817–21 – Used by Jean Lafitte at Galveston Island
  • Colonel James Long's flag--the first of the Texas flags with a Lone Star.
    Colonel James Long's flag--the first of the Texas flags with a Lone Star.
  • 1826 – Flag of the Fredonian Rebellion
    1826 – Flag of the Fredonian Rebellion
  • This flag was used by Texas settlers at the Battle of Gonzales in October 1835.
    This flag was used by Texas settlers 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
  • Created in 1835, this flag was a reference to the Mexican constitution of 1824, in support of which the Texas rebels were fighting.
    Created in 1835, this flag was a reference to the Mexican constitution of 1824, in support of which the Texas rebels were fighting.
  • 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 Flag was designed and sewn by a Mrs. Sarah Dodson during the Revolution.
    The Dodson Flag was 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
    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagFlag designed by Stephen F. Austin between December 1835 and January 1836 while serving as a commissioner to the United States
  • 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.
  • 1836–39 – War Ensign (De Facto National Flag 1835-1839).
    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 flag1836–39 – War Ensign (De Facto National Flag 1835-1839).
  • The purported first official flag of the Republic of Texas, reportedly designed by General Lorenzo de Zavala
    The purported first official flag of the Republic of Texas, reportedly designed by General Lorenzo de Zavala
  • 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.
  • The flag under which the Georgia Battalion of Volunteers marched to Texas to participate in the fight against Mexico.
    The flag under which the Georgia Battalion of Volunteers marched to Texas to participate in the fight against Mexico.
  • Inspired by Gail Borden Jr., this flag was claimed to have been flown at San Jacinto.
    Inspired by Gail Borden Jr., this flag was claimed to have been flown at 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 participated in driving the Mexicans from San Antonio and many were massacred at Goliad
    The New Orleans Grays participated in driving the Mexicans from San Antonio and many were massacred at Goliad
  • The flag of the Red Rovers of Alabama who were massacred with Colonel James Fannin at the Battle of Goliad on March 27, 1836.
    The flag of the Red Rovers of Alabama who were massacred with Colonel James Fannin at the Battle of Goliad 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.

Republic of Texas flags

State flags

Urban legend

The Texas flag flying below the U.S. 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. Allegedly, Texas has this right inherently (as a former independent nation) or because it negotiated special provisions when it joined the Union (this version has been stated as fact on a PBS website).[19] However, the legend is false. Neither the Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas to the United States nor the Ordinance of Annexation[20] 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; the U.S. flag should be on its right (the viewer's left), however. 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.[4]

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 21 years.
  • 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.
  • The flag of Guinea-Bissau is also similar, but has different colors, different dimensions and proportions of the sections, and a differently colored star.
  • The Flag of the Belgian Congo and its predecessors are essentially the same as the Burnet Flag.
  • The flag of Texas is quite similar to the "Flag of Céspedes" or "flag of La Demajagua", one of the two flags used during the Cuban War of Independence

Governor's Flag

See also: Flags of the Governors of the U.S. States
Standard of the Governor of Texas

The flag of the Governor of Texas consists of the Seal of Texas centered on a field of azure. Like most U.S. Governor flags, there are 4 five-point stars at the corners of the field.

See also

Further reading

  • Gilbert, Charles (1989). Flags of Texas. Gretna, LA: Pelican Publishing. ISBN 0-88289-721-7.
  • Kemp, L. W. (April 1956). "Official Flags of the Republic of Texas". Southwestern Historical Quarterly. 59 (4).
  • Maberry, Robert, Jr. (2001). Texas Flags. College Station: Texas A&M University Press. ISBN 978-1-58544-151-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Spain, Charles A., Jr. (1992). "Flags and Seals of Texas" (PDF). South Texas Law Review. 33.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

References

  1. ^ Texas Flag Code: Sec. 3100
  2. ^ a b c d Flags of Texas from the Handbook of Texas Online
  3. ^ Texas House Resolution No. 1123
  4. ^ a b c "GOVERNMENT CODE: CHAPTER 3100. STATE FLAG". State of Texas. 2001-09-01. Archived from the original on 2007-10-13. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  5. ^ New Mexico Tops State/Provincial Flags Survey, Georgia Loses by Wide Margin
  6. ^ Texas Flag Code
  7. ^ The Pantone color equivalents for Old Glory Blue and Red are listed on U.S. Flag Facts at the U.S. Embassy's London site.
  8. ^ The RGB color values are taken from the Pantone Color Finder at Pantone.com.
  9. ^ Texas Flag Code: Sec. 3100
  10. ^ Texas Government Code
  11. ^ Texas Transportation Code
  12. ^ Texas Flag Code: Sec. 3100.059
  13. ^ Francaviglia, Richard V. (1996). The Shape of Texas: Maps as Metaphors. Texas A&M University Press. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-89096-664-8.
  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.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ a b "Pledge of allegiance to the state flag". Texas State Library and Archives Commission. State of Texas. 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  16. ^ David Wallace Croft, "State Pledge."
  17. ^ 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)
  18. ^ 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)
  19. ^ Texas English, from the "Do You Speak American?" series. Article by Jan Tillery and Guy Bailey of the University of Texas at San Antonio.
  20. ^ Ordinance of Annexation Approved by the Texas Convention on July 4, 1845
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