Texas Flags

Texas Flag Design

Unknown is the flag's true creator. Some people assert that Dr. Charles B. Stewart, a physician from Montgomery, Texas, either created the flag or designed the illustration that the Third Congress utilized while passing the law adopting the flag. Stewart's illustration "looks disturbingly like a tracing of the Peter Krag picture, including the President Lamar's upside-down signature," though.

The colors of the Texas flag are associated with the following meanings according to the Texas Flag Code: blue is associated with loyalty, white with purity, and red with valor. The solitary (lone) star is also said to "represent ALL of Texas and stand for our togetherness as one for God, State, and Country," according to the code.

The short-lived Republic of Fredonia, a minor state close to present-day Nacogdoches that seceded from Mexico in 1826 before being forcibly reintegrated, is where the concept of the single red stripe and single white stripe originated. The Fredonian flag featured a white and red stripe to reflect the two ethnic/racial groupings from whom the state was established, which were an alliance between local Anglo settlers and Native American tribes. Despite the fact that this uprising finally failed, it inspired the Texas Revolution that followed.

In reality, the concept of the "lone star" predates the flag and was used to represent the unity of Texans in their declaration of independence from Mexico. The "Burnet Flag," which resembled the short-lived Republic of West Florida's flag, included a similar lone star. The "Lone Star" still serves as a representation of Texas' spirit of independence and is the source of the state's official moniker, "The Lone Star State." 

Background of the Texas Flag

On December 28, 1838, Senator William H. Wharton submitted legislation in the Congress of the Republic of Texas approving the flag. The flag was chosen as the Republic of Texas's flag on January 25, 1839. Although President Lamar's permission and signature are at the top and upside down in the original, a drawing of the national flag and seal by Peter Krag is included with the original Act. The American flag was adopted as the state flag when Texas was admitted as the 28th state on December 29, 1845. When the Revised Civil Statutes of 1879 were adopted, the Legislature repealed all statutes that were not expressly continued in force; since the statutes pertaining to the flag were not among those renewed, Texas was formally flagless until the 1933 flag law was passed. During this time, the Lone Star Flag remained the de facto state flag. 

Interesting Facts About the Texas State Flag

There is a pledge to the Texas State flag

• The following is the state flag's promise of allegiance: “Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.” 

• The Texas Legislature established the promise in 1933. The phrase "Texas flag of 1836" was used in the pledge's original form (which was the Burnet Flag, and not the Lone Star Flag then in use). Since the current flag was not formally adopted by the Texas government until 1839, the error was remedied by removing the wording "of 1836" in 1965. The words "one nation under God" were inserted in 2007. Although the inclusion of "under God" has been contested in court, an injunction request was turned down. The vow is said standing at attention with the right hand placed over the heart as of 2001 (amended 2017). Instead, a person in uniform gives a salute to the military. The majority of schools in the state usually say the Texas Pledge after saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

The flag must always be flown above both doors of the Texas State Capitol

• Alone at the north door and beneath the U.S. flag at the south door, unless the flags are at half mast or the POW/MIA flag is flown with the U.S. flag, in which case the Texas flag must be flown above the main administration building of each state institution. The state flag must also be flown at or close to any international port of entry in accordance with state law. When shown vertically, the white stripe should be to the observer's left of the red stripe and the blue stripe should be at the top.

The flag of Texas is comparable to Chile's, which was adopted in 1817.

• Instead of having a solid blue left side, the Chilean flag features a blue canton with a white star, with the red bottom stripe starting below the canton. According to one author, the Texas and Chilean flags were made to resemble the American flag when viewed from a distance while at sea.

The Texas flag is ranked #2

• When the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) polled its members in 2001 about the 72 state, territory, and provincial flags of the United States and Canada, Texas’ design came in at #2 overall, behind only New Mexico’s state flag.

Common Misconception About the Texas Flag

It is a common misconception that only the Texas flag is permitted to fly at the same altitude as the American flag. But the legend is untrue. There are no flag-related clauses in either the Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas to the United States or the Annexation Ordinance. Any state flag may be flown at the same height as the American flag, per the United States Flag Code, but it must be on its right (the viewer's left). The Texas Flag Code stipulates that the state flag should be flown either below the U.S. flag if it is on the same pole or at the same height if it is on separate poles, in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code. 

FAQ About the Texas State Flag

Is the Texas state flag a Confederate flag?

• Simply put, no. The only US state flag that formerly served as the flag of a distinct sovereign state is Texas. Texas sided with the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. The Confederate flag, not the American flag, served as Texas' national anthem from 1861 and 1865.

Can you display your Texas state flag 24 hours a day?

• Federal law does not expressly forbid flying the flag continuously. As to the Flag Code: "The only time the flag is flown on buildings and on immovable flagstaffs in the open is from sunrise to sunset. However, if a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be flown around the clock if it is properly lit at night."

• There are eight locations in the United States where the flag is flown continuously and legally: Baltimore, Maryland's Fort McHenry National Monument, Flag House Square, Arlington, Virginia's United States Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial, Lexington, Massachusetts, the White House, the Washington Monument, and US Customs entrance points; and Pennsylvania's Valley Forge State Park. The reports that accompanied these official acts show that the particular authority was solely meant to be a tribute to certain historical sites and not an exception to the Code's general rule.

• The flag is flown at night at numerous additional locations, including the US Capitol, out of habit and without any formal or statutory authorization. Since the dignity accorded to the flag is retained by illumination that prevents it from being engulfed in darkness, it would appear that displaying the flag in a dignified manner with proper lighting does not contradict the spirit of the Flag Code.

What Texas Flags does Carrot-Top Offer?

Carrot-Top is proud to offer indoor Texas flags, outdoor Texas flags, Texas flag sets, and a 12x18 Classroom flag!

Our Texas flags for indoor use come in two sizes and are made of a special Carrot Top fabric. These flags produce vibrant displays that showcase your Texas state pride in a classy and distinguished manner. Indoor flags include strong, rich colors and strengthened lock stitching, which keeps the flag from fraying and increases its useful life. Our indoor Texas flags come in sizes 3' x 5' and 4' x 6' and are made of our exclusive Beacon® nylon material. Each flag has a lined pole sleeve on the left side and the remaining three sides are finished with thick, traditional gold fringe.

Our durable outdoor Texas flags are made with two of our premium Carrot Top fabrics. These flags have beautiful lock stitching to avoid fraying and bold, vibrant colors that resist fading. Select a fabric based on the weather and wind in your area. Texas Beacon® Nylon Outdoor Flags are constructed of 200 denier nylon, which is strong, resilient, and lightweight. It dries quickly and waves wonderfully in even the slightest breeze. These flags come in a variety of sizes and are designed for areas with light to moderate winds. Texas Patriarch® Outdoor Polyester Flags are made of durable, two-ply polyester with a texture comparable to cotton, the polyester Texas flags have unparalleled strength because of this. There are numerous sizes of these flags as well.

Texas flag sets combine the distinction of our fine and elegant flagpoles with the beauty of our expertly manufactured flags. You can choose the best display method for your location using our flag sets. Select the Texas flag size, flagpole, and pole finish that best suit your needs. Both a contemporary method of flag presentation and styles that have a more traditional appeal are available in Carrot Top flag sets.

Even a tiny Texas flag is a powerful symbol of state pride! The 12" x 18" mounted Texas flag from Carrot-Top is perfect for use as a school flag or for special events. This small Texas flag is made of durable 70 denier nylon and is attached to a 30 "using three staples, a dowel. There is a 3 on the dowel staff "ornamental gold spear.

Reach Out to Our Carrot-Top Team Right Away!

With your order today, our Carrot-Top Customer Care Team is glad to help. If you have any inquiries about our American flags or our Texas state flags, which are all proudly created in America, please contact us right away!