Six flags over Texas facts for kids
The phrase "Six Flags Over Texas" is a popular saying that describes the six different countries that have ruled over the land we now know as the U.S. state of Texas. These countries are:
- Spain (1519–1685; 1690–1821)
- France (1685–1690)
- Mexico (1821–1836)
- the Republic of Texas (1836–1845)
- the United States (1845–1861; 1865–present)
- the Confederate States (1861–1865)
This idea of "six flags" is used in many places, like shopping malls and the famous Six Flags theme parks, including Six Flags Over Texas near Dallas. You can see these six flags flying at welcome centers when you enter Texas from other states or Mexico. In Austin, the state capital, the flags are displayed at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. The Texas State Capitol building even has the symbols (coats of arms) of these six countries on its northern side. The six flags are also shown on the back of the Seal of Texas, which is the official symbol of the state.
In 1997, the Texas Historical Commission created official designs for how each of these six flags should look. While these six flags are widely accepted, some people discuss if a seventh flag, from the Republic of the Rio Grande, should also be included. Also, some people feel the "six flags" idea doesn't fully recognize the Native Americans who lived in Texas long before Europeans arrived.
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Spain's Rule Over Texas (1519–1821)
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The first country to claim control over much of Texas was Spain. Spanish rule lasted for a very long time, from 1519 to 1685, and then again from 1690 to 1821. During this period, Spain used different flags.
The flags often featured symbols like castles and lions, which were important to the Crown of Castile, a powerful kingdom in Spain. The Spanish flag shown on the back of the Seal of Texas is one that was adopted by King Charles III. This flag has red and gold stripes with the symbols of Castile and León.
France's Claim on Texas (1684–1803)
The second flag to fly over parts of Texas belonged to the Kingdom of France. In 1684, a French explorer named René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle tried to start a colony called Fort Saint Louis on the Texas coast. This colony didn't last long and was soon abandoned.
At that time, France didn't have one single official flag for everything. So, different designs are used today to represent the French flag in "six flags" displays. Later, from 1800 to 1803, France also controlled a large area called Louisiana, which included parts of northern Texas. France then sold this huge territory to the United States.
Mexico's Independence and Rule (1821–1835)
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The third flag was the flag of Mexico. Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, and Texas became part of the new Mexican nation. The Mexican flag displayed at the Austin Capitol is the one used by the Mexican Republic from 1823 to 1864.
This flag was used in Texas until 1836, when Texas declared its own independence from Mexico. This led to the creation of the Republic of Texas.
The Republic of Texas (1836–1845)
The fourth flag belonged to the Republic of Texas, which was an independent country from 1836 to 1845. The Republic had two national flags during its short history. The first was called the "Burnet Flag."
The second and final flag was the famous "Lone Star Flag." This flag is still used today as the official state flag of Texas, even after Texas joined the United States in 1845.
The United States of America (1845–1861; 1865–Present)
The fifth flag is that of the United States of America. Texas officially joined the United States in 1845, becoming the 28th state. This meant the U.S. flag flew over Texas.
However, Texas left the United States in 1861 to join the Confederate States of America. After the American Civil War, Texas rejoined the United States in 1865, and the U.S. flag has flown over the state ever since.
The Confederate States of America (1861–1865)
The sixth flag belonged to the Confederate States of America. This was a group of southern states that separated from the United States from 1861 to 1865. During this time, the Confederacy used three different national flags.
Texas was part of the Confederate States during the American Civil War. After the war ended in 1865, the Confederate States were defeated, and Texas rejoined the United States.
Images for kids
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Display of the Six Flags in Austin, Texas
See also
In Spanish: Las seis banderas de Texas para niños
