State of TEXASSymbols |
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A single star was part of the Long Expedition (1819), Austin Colony (1821) and several flags of the early Republic of Texas. Some say that the star represented the wish of many Texans to achieve statehood in the United States. Others say it originally represented Texas as the lone state of Mexico which was attempting to uphold its rights under the Mexican Constitution of 1824. At least one "lone star" flag was flown during the Battle of Concepcion and the Siege of Bexar (1835). Joanna Troutman's flag with a single blue star was raised over Velasco on January 8, 1836. Another flag with a single star was raised at the Alamo (1836) according to a journal entry by David Crockett. One carried by General Sam Houston's Texian army (which defeated Mexican General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto ) may have been captured and taken to Mexico. Another "lone star" flag, similar to the current one but with the red stripe above the white, was also captured the following year (1837) and returned to Mexico. The "David G. Burnet" flag, of "an azure ground" (blue background) "with a large golden star central" was adopted by the Congress of the Republic of Texas in December of 1836. It continued in use as a battle flag after being superseded in January of 1839. The 1839 design has been used to symbolize the Republic and the "Lone Star State" ever since.
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State Flag:
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The flag was adopted as the state flag when Texas became the 28th state in 1845. As with the flag of the United States, the blue stands
for loyalty, the white represents strength, and the red is for bravery.
Because of Texas' unique history, there have been many seals that have been used as official seals throughout the years. Private seals of
governors, Spanish seals, Mexican seals, and seals of the Republic have all had their time and place. Seals approved in 1836 and again in 1839
used a five-pointed star as their central image. The five-pointed star continues to represent Texas today. The Mexican seal was probably the basis
for the live oak and olive wreaths that have made their way onto Texas' current seal. In 1845, when Texas gained statehood in the Union, the
images of the Republic's seal were retained, and the word "Republic" was replaced with "State". The state's new seal was to consist of "a star of
five points, encircled by an olive and live oak branch, and the words "State of Texas". So many versions of the seal's design were being used,
however, that by 1881, the state decided to come up with one standard. So, the Secretary of State in 1992 officially declared a seal designed by
Juan Vega, and meeting the above requirements, as the official seal of the state.
