Texas Tall tales and Truthes

Once upon a time in Texas, by Mable Cash April 11, 2008

Both Spain and France claimed the territory of Texas as their own, so when France sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States, some thought the Texas territory was part of the deal. Spain strongly disagreed and continued to claim the territory. When Spain gave up Florida, a line was drawn, giving Texas to Spain but only for a while. In 1810, folks living in Mexico begin fighting for their freedom from Spain. By 1821, when Mexico was victorious, the territory of Texas became a part of Mexico and a new flag waved over Texas, the Mexican flag, green, white and red bars. On the middle bar there is an eagle sitting on a cactus, holding a snake in its mouth.

This is flag number three. Mexican leaders agreed to allow Americans in to settle the new territory. Moses and Stephen F. Austin were the first impresarios! Those who purchased the land were required to follow the laws of Mexico. Things went well for a while, then the Mexican leaders wrote some new laws that the settlers of Texas considered unfair and refused to obey. When Mexican soldiers were sent to enforce the new laws, the Texans refused and this led to war! (More about this war, later) The war ended at the Battle of San Jacinto with a great victory for Texas! Under its leaders in 1836, Texas became a free country called the Republic of Texas. A new flag was designed to fly over Texas. It has a white band over a red band with a blue bar on the side. In the center of the blue bar is a white star.

This flag makes Texans proud, it is flag number four.

Texas agreed to become a part of the United States in 1846. The American flag had thirteen red and white stripes with a white star on blue for each state. Texas became the twenty eighth star on Old Glory! The beautiful flag of the Republic of Texas became the State flag. Here we have flag number five,

the United States of America.

A few years later, the US became fractural and brought about the “War between the States.” Texas was part of the Confederacy and the sixth flag flew over Texas. This confederate battle flag was red with blue stripes crossing from the corners. Thirteen white stars were placed on the blue stripes.

When the war was finished, all the States became united with the Union again.

Today, two flags proudly fly over Texas. We Texans are proud of both. People all over the world recognize these two flags, the Stars and Stripes of the USA and the Lone Star of Texas both flying at twenty feet.

Two important rivers in Texas have Spanish names. The Rio Grande, means the “Big River.” It is an international boundary. The Brazos de Dios, means, “Arms of God.” We now call this river, the Brazos. It was named by the captain of an expedition who was swept away from his party into the flooded river. Although considered lost by the party, he miraculously reached the other side unharmed! He said he came across the waters in the arms of God., thus, the “Brazos de Dios.”

I hope this information will help you to remember the six flags that have flown over our State.