| A short
history of the Texas State flag |
In the USA, Texas
was the largest state until Alaska's admission in 1959. The
first flag appeared when Texas was a republic. It consisted of
a blue field with a large white star containing the name. The
color of the star was changed to gold in December 1836, and lasted
until January 1839, which was when the current flag was adopted.
In 1845 when Texas joined the Union, a maritime version had the
colors laid horizontally with the star in the center and a naval
ensign closely followed the Stars and Stripes until both were
abolished. The origin of the single star cannot be confirmed,
however it is thought it derives from the Bonnie Blue Flag used
in 1810 by the settlers in West Florida and described in the
section on Mississippi. The single star is the only emblem on
the state seal, and appears on the light blue disc encircled
by a wreath of live branches and oak leaves. The seal was adopted
in 1839, and in 1961 was given a reverse side showing the coat
of arms designed by Mrs. Farnsworth, and taken up by the legislature
after presssure from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The shield on the arms shows the scene at the Alamo, Vince's
Bridge, and the Gonzales cannon, together with six flags, the
Lone Star and motto -"Texas One and Indivisable". |