Flag of Texas (US state)

The flag of the state of Texas, universally known as the "Lone Star Flag," is one of the most famous and recognizable symbols in the United States. Its simple yet powerful design embodies the unique history of Texas as an independent republic and its enduring identity as a state. Adopted in 1845, its design is so iconic that its nickname has become synonymous with the state itself, reflecting the fiercely independent spirit and deep pride of its residents.

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Dimensions

The Texas flag features a bold, clean design with three distinct elements. The official proportions are carefully defined to ensure consistency and are outlined in the Texas Flag Code.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag consists of a vertical blue stripe on the left and two horizontal stripes, white on top and red on the bottom, on the right. The colors themselves hold specific meaning:

  • Blue: Represents loyalty.

  • White: Represents purity.

  • Red: Represents bravery.

• The Lone Star: The central element is a single, five-pointed white star, known as the "Lone Star," located in the center of the blue vertical stripe. This star is a profound symbol of the unity of the state and its independent spirit. The star is a perfect five-pointed star, and its diameter is exactly three-fourths the width of the blue stripe.

• Dimensions: The official flag's proportions are a 2:3 ratio, meaning it is 1.5 times as wide as it is high. The blue vertical stripe occupies one-third of the flag's total length.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The Lone Star Flag has a rich history that predates Texas's statehood. Its design reflects the state's transition from a sovereign nation to a member of the United States.

• The Republic of Texas Flag (1839): The current flag was originally designed and adopted as the national flag of the Republic of Texas on January 25, 1839. It was designed by Charles B. Stewart, though this is a subject of historical debate. It was flown proudly as the symbol of an independent nation for nearly a decade.

• Statehood (1845): When Texas was annexed to the United States and became the 28th state in 1845, the state legislature officially adopted the Lone Star Flag as the state flag. This move solidified its place as a powerful symbol of state identity, carrying over the legacy of the republic into the new era of statehood.

• The Six Flags over Texas: The Lone Star Flag is just one of many flags that have flown over Texas throughout its history. The state's history is often told through the "Six Flags" that have claimed sovereignty over its territory: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America, and the Confederate States of America. The Lone Star Flag is a unique symbol in that it represents a period of Texas's history as a sovereign nation.

Historical Context and the State of Texas

Texas's identity is inextricably linked to its flag. The flag’s design, with its bold colors and a single star, reflects the state’s unique journey.

• The Fight for Independence: The flag evokes the memory of the Battle of the Alamo and the fierce struggle for independence from Mexico in the 1830s. The red color, symbolizing bravery, is a direct tribute to the sacrifices made during this period.

• The "Lone Star State" Nickname: The flag's nickname became the official state nickname, cementing its place in the public imagination. It symbolizes the state's self-reliance, unity, and a certain legendary rugged individualism that is deeply ingrained in Texan culture.

Significance for Residents

For Texans, the Lone Star Flag is a powerful source of pride and identity. It is a symbol of their heritage, their history, and their unique place within the United States. Many Texans display the flag prominently, often flying it at the same height as the US flag, a practice that is enshrined in state law and reflects the special status Texans feel their state holds. The flag serves as a reminder of their shared history as a former independent republic and the values of loyalty, purity, and bravery that they hold dear. It’s not just a flag; it’s a declaration of who they are.

Interesting Facts

• The Texas flag is the only state flag in the United States to have previously served as the national flag of a sovereign nation.

• There is no record of the original designer of the Lone Star Flag, though it is widely attributed to Charles B. Stewart.

• The Texas Flag Code dictates the specific shade of colors, requiring "Old Glory Red" and "Old Glory Blue," the same shades used in the US flag.

• According to the Texas Flag Code, the flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, a tradition that reinforces the state's independent spirit.

• The five points of the star are arranged so that one point is always directly upward. This is an important detail specified in the flag code.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.