Six Flags Over Texas: The History Behind the Name
Since the arrival of the Europeans almost five hundred years ago, the flags of six different nations have flown over Texas. Those of Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and of course the United States of America. To be proper, however, one should really include the Native Americans, who had lived in Texas millenia prior to the coming of the Europeans, however their flag has not been incorporated into the theme park’s name
Spain: 1519-1821
Spain was the first European power to explore the Texas region. While Hernando Cortez was fighting against the Aztecs in what is now central Mexico, the explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda was mapping the Texas coastline.
Although the Spanish had claimed Texas as early as 1519, it took them well over a century to build their first true settlement there. This was the Ysleta Mission in what is now El Paso built in 1681. Texas was a frontier territory, one that the Spanish did little to capitalize upon it.
In 1685, France fought with Spain over the territory of Texas. France saw the land as unused by the Spanish, and wished to build onto their territory in Louisiana. This period of conflict would only last for five years, however, when Texas came firmly under Spanish control.
Texas remained a part of the Spanish empire until 1821 and Mexico revolted against their authority. During that time more settlement would be done in Texas, but for the most part it would remain empty.
France:1685-1690
France was the second European power to plant its flag in Texas soil. They had built a base for their North American colonies in the Louisiana territory, but they wished to expand. Seeing the vast expanses of unused Texas territory, they thought that a move into the west would be a natural step.
In 1685 the French founded Fort St. Louis in eastern Texas. The settlement was led by French explorer Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle. Unfortunately for the French, however, the settlement was doomed to failure. After five years of fighting Natives, famine and disease, and the murder of la Salle by one of his own men, France decided to give up its Texan ambitions and pulled out of the territory.
Mexico:1821-1836
After a decade of fighting between the Mexican colonies and the Spanish, Mexico finally gained its independence in 1821. Texas, although still largely empty was a part of the Mexico, and became a frontier in the new nation of Mexico.
During the period of Mexican control over Texas it began to be settled for the first time. Not only by Mexicans, but also by Americans who were continuing the push to the west. Famous individuals such as Stephen Austin and Sam Houston made their homes in Texas.
Mexico would remain in control for only 15 years. In 1836 the Texans rebelled against the Mexican state and won independence. On April 21, 1836, a new nation was born.
The Republic of Texas: 1836-1845
Although they had won independence, the Republic of Texas continued to struggle with Mexico. Mexico did not want to give up Texas, and they made claims to Texan territory.
The new nation also struggled to make itself a viable nation, economically as well as militarily. The Republic found it exceedingly difficult to sustain itself. Many of those who had originally come from the United States thought that annexation into the growing nation would be the best way to end their troubles. Some, such as Sam Houston, opposed this idea but ultimately those favoring annexation won out. Texas became a part of the United States on December 29th, 1845.
The Confederate States of America: 1861-1865
Although they had become a part of the United States, there was still one other national flag which would fly over Texas besides that of the United States. This was the flag of the Confederate States of America, founded in 1861.
Conflict had been building in the United States between the North and the South for decades, primarily over the issue of slavery. In 1861, with the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, this struggle finally came to a head. The majority of the South seceded from the Union, and Texas joined them.
There were many that were opposed to the idea of joining the Confederacy. Sam Houston wished for Texas to reform the Republic, rather than join them. However he was voted down and Texas became a part of the short-lived Confederate States of America.
While not a major part of the Civil War, Texas did have its role. In fact, the last battle of the war was won by the Texans, although the victory came a month after the South had already surrendered. Texas, like the rest of the South, rejoined the United States, and the Confederate States of America was no more.
The United States of American: 1845-Present
Texas’s statehood led to direct conflict with Mexico. Although Texas itself had never had the strength to completely repel Mexican forces from its borders, the United States did. In 1846, only a year after annexation, the United States and Mexico became embroiled in the Mexican-American War.
The war was won by the Americans, and it led to the annexation of even more territory from the Mexicans. Along with the Gadsden Purchase, the war resulted in the United States territory stretching all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean along what is now our southern border.
Texas was the 28th state of the Union, and remains an integral part of the nation today. It is the second largest state, next only to Alaska. It is one of the country’s largest suppliers of oil, and is in fact famous for its oil. It is the symbol of the American west: cattle ranching and cowboys, saloons and shootemups are all a part of its heritage.
Six Flags Over Texas
In the past 500 years, 6 flags have flown over Texas. It has a rich history, and a heritage drawn upon many nations. The Six Flags theme park celebrates this rich history, and is a testament to Texas in all its glory.
