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The flag of Texas is known as the "Lone Star Flag". The flag was adopted on January 25, 1839 as the final national flag of the Republic of Texas. When Texas became the 28th state of the Union on December 29, 1845, its national flag became the state flag. While the Lone Star remained the de facto state flag, from 1879 until 1933 there was no official state flag.
The Texas Flag Code assigns the following symbolism to the colors of the Texas flag: blue stands for loyalty, white for purity, and red for bravery. The code also states that single (lone) star "represents ALL of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State, and Country." The "lone star" is, in fact, an older symbol predating the flag which was used to symbolize Texans' solidarity in declaring independence from Mexico. It is still seen today as a symbol of Texas' independent spirit, and gave rise to the state's official nickname "The Lone Star State". The actual designer of the flag is unknown; Dr. Charles B. Stewart is credited with drawing the image used by the Third Congress when enacting the legislation adopting the flag.
Interesting note: Texas does have a civil ensign. Accoring to Deveraux Cannon's book "The Flags of the Confederacy", when the new national flag of Texas was adopted in 1839, a new and distinctive civil ensign was also adopted by the Texas congress. And although the civil ensign ceased to be used after Texas joined the USA in 1845, the flag law of 1839 does not appear to have been amended, therefore Texans could still legally fly the civil ensign from their ships/boats.
Proposals for a New Flag of Texas
