The History of the Texas Flag

Early Flags in Texas Before Statehood

Before Texas became an independent republic, no single flag represented the region. Control over Texas shifted several times, and each period brought different flags.

During the Spanish colonial era, Texas flew flags of Spain. After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican national flag became the official banner of the region. These early flags reflected political authority rather than a distinct Texas identity.

As tensions grew between Texian settlers and the Mexican government in the early 1830s, locally inspired flags began to appear. These banners were often handmade and symbolic, expressing resistance rather than official governance.

The Republic of Texas and Early National Flags

The Texas Revolution marked the first moment when Texans sought a unified national symbol. After declaring independence in 1836, the new Republic of Texas adopted several flags before settling on a permanent design.

One of the earliest was the “Burnet Flag,” featuring a single gold star on a blue field. Although simple, it introduced the Lone Star motif that would define Texas symbolism going forward.

Other versions followed, including flags with vertical stripes and additional stars. These designs reflected experimentation during a formative period, as the republic worked to establish its identity both domestically and internationally.

The 1839 Official Texas Flag Design

In 1839, the Republic of Texas formally adopted a standardized national flag. This decision established the foundation of the modern Texas state flag.

The approved design featured a single white star on a vertical blue stripe, with horizontal white and red stripes to the right. For the first time, proportions, colors, and layout were clearly defined by law.

This flag unified earlier symbolic elements into a clear and lasting design. The Lone Star remained central, while the red, white, and blue color scheme aligned Texas visually with other republics and democratic ideals of the era.

Texas Statehood and Continued Use of the Flag

When Texas joined the United States in 1845, the republic flag did not disappear. Instead, it transitioned into the official state flag of Texas.

Unlike many former republics, Texas retained its national design after statehood. This continuity reinforced the idea that Texas entered the Union with a strong and distinct identity already in place.

The flag was officially reaffirmed by the Texas Legislature in 1933, ensuring that the design used today closely matches the original 1839 specification.

Symbolism of the Texas State Flag

Every element of the Texas flag carries deliberate meaning. Together, they communicate unity, independence, and loyalty.

• Lone Star: Represents unity and independence, a direct link to the Republic of Texas.
• Blue: Symbolizes loyalty.
• White: Stands for purity.
• Red: Represents bravery.

These meanings are codified in Texas law and closely parallel the values expressed in the U.S. flag, reinforcing Texas’s dual identity as both a state and a former sovereign nation.

For modern display practices and respectful presentation, many Texans follow established flag etiquette guidelines, especially when displaying the Texas flag alongside the U.S. flag.

Modern Use and Cultural Legacy

Today, the Texas state flag appears on government buildings, schools, homes, and public spaces across the state. Its use extends beyond official settings into everyday life.

The flag has become a cultural marker, appearing in art, architecture, and civic ceremonies. For many Texans, displaying the flag expresses pride not only in the state, but in its history of self-governance.

Because of its strong historical roots, the Texas flag is often studied alongside other U.S. state flags to understand how regional identity developed across the country.

References & Further Reading

• Texas Constitution and Statutes — State Flag Specifications
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History — American Flags & Symbolism