March 2 is an important date in the history of the Lone Star State. It marks Texas’ independence from Mexico and celebrates the birth of Samuel Houston, who helped usher in Texas independence.
The state flag, too, is celebrated this day because it symbolizes the era. But the Lone Star Flag wasn’t the first to flap its colors in the big Texas breeze. No, there were five others—each representative of the nations and people who were in control. Let’s take a look at the six flags of Texas.
France: Explorer Rene Robert Cavalier established a colony of 180 settlers near Lavaca Bay in 1685. And though the colonists probably waved the French banner with pride for a while, it wasn’t to last. About half died before the first six months had passed. By 1890, the settlement was in ruin after natives attacked and killed almost all of the remaining settlers.
Spain: The Spanish had been in Texas, off and on, since they first set on eyes on its coastline in 1519. But it wasn’t until 1716 that they began an uninterrupted period of 105 years in control there. Spain’s presence in Texas and nearby Mexico made lasting impressions, influencing language, architecture, law, farming and religion.
In the early 1800s, Mexicans had had enough of Spanish control. The Mexican War of Independence put an end to Spain’s rule in that area and in Texas. Spain’s flag—adorned with castles and lions—would fly no more.
Mexico: In 1821, the new symbol gracing flags over Texas would be that of an eagle perched upon a cactus—the flag of Mexico. This lasted for about 15 years, until tensions started to grow between American settlers and Mexican authorities.
Texas: By 1836, after two massacres of settlers, General Sam Houston captured Mexican General and President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in the Battle of San Jacinto. The fighting lasted less than 20 minutes. Most of Santa Anna’s forces were destroyed. The Mexican flag was replaced with the flag of the Republic of Texas.
U.S.: In 1845, Texas became the 28th state in the U.S. The American flag flew over the Lone Star State until the beginning of the Civil War, when Texas sided with slave states of the time.
Confederate: In 1861, Texas leaders sided with the Old South and promptly hoisted the flag of the Confederate States of America up the flagpole. The flag flew until 1865, when Confederate forces finally gave up their cause and surrendered to the Union.
