Spain

Long, long ago, explorers from Spain came to Texas to search for land to build new places to spread love, towns, and farms.  

The Spanish flag was the very first flag to fly over Texas, and Spain ruled it twice for almost 300 years! 

1519-1821

France 

One random day, a French explorer named Rene landed in Texas. He came to Texas to bring his own flag and mark his spots of land, just like Spain did. 

Although on one of his work days of marking land, he accidentally lost control of supplies. This accident caused him to lose everything, and France no longer ruled over Texas, and it was returned to Spain. 

1685-1690

Mexico 

Mexico won independence from Spain. Texas then became a part of Mexico. Mexico convinced people who lived in the United States to move to Texas to help build towns and farms. 

Shortly after, Mexico and Texas began to fight and have disagreements with each other. A fight between the two broke out, and the winner got to keep the land. 

1821-1836

Republic of Texas 

1836-1845

Texas won the fight and kept the land, gaining its independence. The country was renamed to the Republic of Texas; they had their own president, laws, money, and army! 

Texas became the country Americans wanted to stay in; the country became so independent that it ended up making its own flag! The flag became the fourth flag to fly over Texas. 

United States

Texas began to grow in population and economy. After about 10 years as an independent country, the Republic of Texas decided it was time to join the United States!  

Texas became the twenty-eighth state of the United States. Texans were excited about this change of becoming part of a larger nation. The American flag began flying over Texas; this is the 5th flag to fly over Texas! We are now a Union! 

1845-1861