The Six Flags refer to the six nations that have claimed sovereignty over Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederate States of America.
Texas has flown six different flags over its territory. It’s not just a fun fact; it reflects the rich tapestry of our state’s history. From the Kingdom of Spain to the United States, each flag tells a story of the diverse cultures that shaped Texas.
While many think of Six Flags Over Texas as just an amusement park, its name pays homage to this fascinating legacy. In this article, we’ll explore the flags that have waved above the Lone Star State and what they represent.
The Six Flags – Chronological Overview
Each flag represents a distinct period of governance and cultural influence over the Texas territory, with overlapping claims and disputed transitions between powers.
| Flag/Nation | Period of Control | Duration | Flag Description | Political Status | Cultural Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 1519-1685, 1690-1821 | ~302 years total | Red and yellow with Spanish coat of arms | Colonial territory | Catholic missions, Spanish architecture |
| France | 1685-1690 | 5 years | Blue field with gold fleur-de-lis | Colonial claim/fort | Limited lasting influence |
| Mexico | 1821-1836 | 15 years | Green, white, red with eagle | Independent nation’s territory | Legal system, land grants |
| Republic of Texas | 1836-1845 | 9 years | Blue field with white star | Independent sovereign nation | “Lone Star” identity |
| Confederate States | 1861-1865 | 4 years | “Stars and Bars” then other designs | Rebellious state | Civil War legacy |
| United States | 1845-1861, 1865-present | 170+ years total | Stars and stripes | U.S. state | Modern political/economic system |
Texas Under Spain (1519-1685) (1690-1821)
The Spanish were the first Europeans to set foot in Texas. However, after exploring it, they abandoned it for 160 years until the French claimed the land.
The Spanish then undertook numerous missions, both on land and at sea. This was done to locate the head of the French expedition, Sieur de La Salle, and terminate the French colony in Texas.
| Period | Key Events | Administrative Structure | Major Settlements | Cultural Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Exploration (1519-1685) | Cortez expeditions, Cabeza de Vaca journey | Viceroyalty of New Spain | Few permanent settlements | Geographic knowledge, indigenous contact |
| Mission Period (1690-1821) | Mission system establishment | Province of Tejas | San Antonio, Nacogdoches, Goliad | Catholic conversion, Spanish architecture |
| Colonial Administration | Spanish governors, presidios | Captain General authority | Military presidios network | Spanish legal traditions |
| Economic System | Cattle ranching, mission agriculture | Encomienda system | Ranch land grants | Vaquero (cowboy) culture origins |
| Religious Influence | Catholic missions, indigenous conversion | Franciscan mission control | Mission San José, San Antonio de Valero (Alamo) | Catholicism establishment |
| Legal Framework | Spanish civil law system | Royal decrees, colonial courts | Land grant documentation | Property law foundations |
| End of Spanish Rule | Mexican independence 1821 | Transfer to Mexican authority | Existing settlements continued | Spanish cultural retention |
Early Spanish Exploration (1519-1685)
It all began in 1519 when Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda conducted an expedition for Jamaica’s governor, Francisco de Garay. He created the earliest recorded document of Texas history, a map of the Northern Gulf Coast.
Other Spanish explorers, such as Alvar Nunez and Cabeza de Vaca, were shipwrecked and later discovered and explored the land.
The Spanish Colony in Texas (1690-1821)
It took more than a century for the Spanish to establish a settlement in Texas. This is because they were more interested in gold than in the state of Texas itself. Since Texas wasn’t famed for its riches, the Spanish claimed it but had no intention of defending or populating it.
That is, until they discovered the French presence in Texas, which we will cover later. They saw the French seizing their land as a danger to Spanish mining and shipping lines. Thus, they ordered their removal immediately.
As a result, King Carlos II’s Council of War advised the removal of “This thorn which has been thrust into the heart of America. The greater the delay, the greater the difficulty of attainment.”
Three years and ten expeditions later, the Spanish demolished the French forts and regained Texas for themselves.
Spanish Legacy
While the Spanish were exploring Texas, they encountered the Caddo people. Upon communicating with the Indian tribe, the Spanish used the Caddo word for “friendship,”, “taysh, a,” to name the area Tejas, which is now Texas. Interestingly, this is why Texas’s motto is friendship!
The Spanish also named one of the United States’s largest cities, known as San Antonio today. As you can see, Spain left a lasting legacy that is seen in both today’s language and place names.
The Flag
The Spanish flag featured two lions and two castles on a white and red background. The lions represent the kingdom of Leon, while the castles symbolize the kingdom of Castile.
You can typically find the Spanish flag among the other national flags on your trip to the famous Six Flags amusement park.
Texas Under France (1685-1690)
After claiming Louisiana, France made a bold move and claimed Spanish land in Eastern Texas. This plan, however, backfired completely. In 1685, French explorer Sieur de La Salle returned to the Americas with 400 people and four ships to find the Mississippi River.
| Aspect | Details | Geographic Scope | Significance | Lasting Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Salle Expedition | René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle | Fort Saint Louis near Matagorda Bay | First European settlement attempt | Minimal lasting influence |
| Colonial Goals | Fur trading, territorial expansion | Intended Mississippi River area | Strategic position against Spain | Prompted Spanish mission expansion |
| Settlement Failure | Disease, Indian attacks, supply problems | Small fort area only | Colony collapsed by 1690 | Demonstrated settlement challenges |
| Geographic Claims | Louisiana Territory extension | Eastern Texas coastal area | Disputed boundary creation | Later U.S. boundary negotiations |
| Administrative Structure | Military commander authority | Fort and immediate vicinity | Limited governmental control | No lasting institutions |
| End of French Rule | Colony abandoned, survivors scattered | Spanish forces occupied area | Brief interlude in Spanish control | Territorial claims transferred to Spain |
| Historical Significance | Established competing European claims | Influenced later boundary disputes | Six Flags inclusion | Symbolic importance exceeds actual impact |
The Objective
The objective was to return and establish a colony on the territories he had previously explored and claimed, namely, Louisiana and the Mississippi River. However, the mission failed miserably, and La Salle and his men were lost in Matagorda Bay.
They eventually found themselves in Texas, which was then part of Spanish territory. Even though they weren’t meant to be there, La Salle was determined to claim this territory for his king, Louis XIV.
Because the Spanish were unconcerned about Texas at the time, no one was around to warn France that this was not its country to claim. However, Spain quickly became interested in Texas after learning that France had invaded it.
The Consequence
France finally built a fort called St. Louis, which Spain subsequently demolished after discovering it. Because La Salle was a cruel leader who didn’t get along with anyone, he was eventually ambushed and murdered by his people in East Texas.
By 1690, the French claim completely vanished, and Spain had reclaimed Texas once more.
The Flag
The French flag, which flew over Texas for only five years, features a white background with a cluster of golden fleur-de-lis at its center.
The fleur-de-lis is commonly associated with France and can be found throughout former French territories, such as Louisiana.
Texas Under Mexico (1821-1836)
Not satisfied with being ruled by a country so far away and desiring liberation, Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1821. Fearing Native American invasions and the U.S. claiming Texas, Mexico immediately sent its people to Texas and claimed it.
This arrangement was made initially with Moses Austin, an American businessman and pioneer who passed away shortly after. From there, his son, Stephen F. Austin, carried out the agreement.
| Period Phase | Key Developments | Government Structure | Settlement Policies | Cultural Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Mexican Period (1821-1824) | Mexican independence consolidation | Provisional Mexican government | Continued Spanish land policies | Transition from Spanish rule |
| Federal Republic Era (1824-1835) | Mexican Constitution of 1824 | Federal system, state governments | Anglo colonization encouraged | Cultural mixing begins |
| Colonization Laws | Immigration incentives for settlers | Empresario system | Stephen F. Austin colonies | Anglo population growth |
| Economic Development | Cotton cultivation, trade expansion | Mexican tariff and tax policies | Plantation agriculture introduction | Economic ties to U.S. South |
| Religious Requirements | Catholic conversion required | Church-state relationship | Nominal Catholic conversion | Religious tensions |
| Centralist Period (1835-1836) | Santa Anna centralization | Central government control | Immigration restrictions increased | Political conflict escalation |
| Texas Revolution Buildup | Growing Anglo-Mexican tensions | Military enforcement attempts | Settlement conflicts | Revolution preparation |
Relationship Between Texas and Mexico
Texas and Mexico had a generally good relationship, mainly due to the numerous mutual benefits they shared.
For example, Americans who wished to invade Texas and obtain cheap land would benefit. At the same time, Mexico also benefits from having people cultivate the land and protect it from Native American invasions.
The Texas Revolution
After Antonio López de Santa Anna was declared dictator, Texas began to have disagreements with Mexico. This is when everything started to go south.
Santa Anna was implementing rules and restrictions that led American settlers and Tejanos to rebel against Mexico. As a result, the Texas Revolution began and concluded with the state’s independence in 1836.
The Flag
The Mexican flag features three vertical stripes of color: green, white, and red. These colors represent the Three Guarantees. Green denotes independence, white represents the Roman Catholic church, and red represents union.
To honor Mexico’s Aztec heritage, an eagle stands atop a cactus with a snake in its mouth at the center of the flag.
The Republic of Texas (1836-1845)
After defeating Santa Anna in San Jacinto, Texas became an independent nation for nine years. Throughout those nine years, the Republic of Texas had four presidents:
- David Burnet (Mar. 1836 – Oct. 1836)
- Sam Houston (Oct. 1836 – Dec. 1838)
- Mirabeau Lamar (Dec. 1838 – Dec. 1841)
- Sam Houston was re-elected (Dec. 1841 – Dec. 1844)
- Anson Jones (Dec. 1844 – Feb. 1846)
| Government Aspect | Details | International Status | Economic Foundation | Political Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence Declaration | March 2, 1836, Washington-on-the-Brazos | Declared sovereignty from Mexico | Agriculture-based economy | Constitutional convention |
| Military Victory | Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836 | Military defeat of Mexico | Land speculation, cotton | Sam Houston presidency |
| International Recognition | U.S., Britain, France recognition | Legitimate sovereign nation | International trade development | Democratic republic structure |
| Currency and Finance | Republic of Texas currency issued | Independent monetary system | Chronic financial difficulties | National debt accumulation |
| Territorial Disputes | Boundary conflicts with Mexico | Ongoing territorial claims | Limited resources for defense | Military preparedness challenges |
| Foreign Relations | Diplomatic missions established | Treaties with other nations | Trade agreements negotiated | International diplomatic status |
| Annexation Movement | Growing support for U.S. statehood | Voluntary surrender of sovereignty | Economic integration with U.S. | Political debate over annexation |
Complications Following Independence
After gaining independence, settlers spent most of their time deciding whether Texas should be part of the United States. During this period, they were put through several ordeals.
Despite the presence of the Treaties of Velasco, Mexico continued to attack them. Furthermore, the treaties made by Sam Houston with the native Americans were not honored by the third president, Mirabeau Lamar. As a result, native Americans plundered the state regularly.
Texas was also heavily in debt and faced opposition from several external sources. Texans eventually concluded that being a part of the United States is in the state’s best interest.
The Flag
If you live in Texas today, you’ve likely seen this flag frequently. This flag, adopted in 1839, is now known as the Lone Star Flag. It combines the colors red, blue, and white to signify bravery, loyalty, and purity.
Texas in the Confederacy (1861-1865)
Sixteen years after Texas became part of the United States, the Civil War started (April 12, 1861 – April 9, 1865). During the Civil War, Texas seceded from the Union and became a member of the Confederate States of America along with:
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Florida
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Virginia
| War Period | Texas Role | Military Contribution | Economic Impact | Political Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secession (1861) | Voted to leave Union February 1, 1861 | Governor Sam Houston opposed secession | Cotton economy supported Confederacy | State convention decision |
| Confederate Integration | Became Confederate state March 1861 | Provided troops, supplies, leadership | Blockade affected trade | Confederate state government |
| Military Contributions | 90,000+ Texans served Confederacy | Cavalry units, frontier defense | Agricultural production for war | Military district organization |
| Home Front Impact | Limited major battles in Texas | Galveston naval conflicts | Economic hardship, inflation | State government continued |
| Civil War End | Last Confederate state to surrender | June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth) | Economic devastation | Military occupation began |
| Reconstruction Preparation | Federal authority reasserted | Military rule implemented | Plantation system disruption | Political reorganization required |
| Cultural Legacy | Confederate memory preservation | Veterans organizations | Economic recovery challenges | Lost Cause mythology |
Conclusion of the Civil War
On November 6, 1865, the Confederacy was defeated and eventually surrendered. Following that, the Confederacy was disbanded, and Texas was reunited to become a member of the United States of America.
The Flag
The Confederate flag, which resembled both the Texas and the United States flags, flew until the war’s end. Although the Confederacy used three flags, the “Stars and Bars” flag was the most widely recognized.
It features horizontal red and white stripes, along with a blue circle at the top left. Inside the circle are white stars corresponding to the number of states that had seceded from the Union.
Texas in the United States of America (1845-1861) (1865-Present)
After gaining independence from Mexico and before the Civil War, Texas became the 28th state in the United States of America. It joined as a slave state, which is why it was a part of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
On March 30, 1870, Texas rejoined the union and has been a member of the U.S. ever since.
| Historical Period | Key Developments | Federal Relationship | Economic Growth | Political Evolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Statehood (1845-1861) | Annexation as 28th state | Compromise of 1850 boundary settlement | Railroad development begins | Democratic Party dominance |
| Reconstruction (1865-1877) | Military occupation, political reorganization | Federal oversight, new constitution | Economic rebuilding, sharecropping | Republican rule imposed |
| Late 19th Century (1877-1900) | Economic diversification | Reduced federal intervention | Oil discovery, industrialization | Democratic Party return |
| 20th Century Growth (1900-2000) | Population explosion, urbanization | Federal military bases, space program | Oil boom, technology development | Two-party competition |
| Modern Era (2000-Present) | Major population state | Federal-state tensions continue | Diverse economy, energy leadership | Republican dominance, growth challenges |
| Constitutional Relationship | State rights vs. federal authority | Ongoing federalism debates | Interstate commerce regulation | Political representation growth |
| Cultural Integration | American identity with Texas distinctiveness | National vs. state loyalty | Economic integration with U.S. | Unique state pride |
The Flag
The American flag first flew over Texas in 1845, where it has remained to the present day. The well-known flag features 13 horizontal red and white stripes, representing the 13 original colonies.
It also features a navy blue square in the top left corner with 50 stars representing each of the 50 states.
References:
- The Spanish came to Texas looking for gold: https://www.thestoryoftexas.com
- La Salle was a cruel leader: https://www.historymuseum.ca/
- The Texans hated Santa Anna: https://www.news-journal.com
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, local Texas resident, travel enthusiast.and author of the Home Energy Playbook. He specializes in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
