Texas State Seal

Description, Symbols, Icons and Emblems of the Texas State Seal
The description and meaning of the symbols, icons and emblems of the Texas State Seal are as follows:

	The obverse (front) side of the seal is a star of five points, encircled by olive and oak branches.
	The Lone Star signifies Texas as a former independent republic and it also serves as a reminder of the state's struggle for independence from Mexico.
	The olive branch is a symbol of peace and the oak branch is a symbol of strength, heroism and victory
	The white five-pointed star in the State Seal is a symbol of the unity of all things and the essence of the life force. In heraldry a star is a symbol of leadership and excellence
	The reverse side of the Great State Seal consists of a shield surrounded by the six national flags that have flown over Texas.
	The reverse side was adopted in 1961 and is based on a design by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas
	The flags featured on the reverse of the Texas State seal are of the Kingdom of France, the Kingdom of Spain, the United Mexican States, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America.
		Texas Under Spain. 1519-1685 and 1690-1821. Early explorers were Alonso Alvarez de Pineda, Cabeza de Vaca and Francisco Vasquez de Coronado
		Texas Under France. 1685-1690. In 1685 it was claimed by the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
		Texas Under Mexico. 1821-1836. In 1821, the Mexican War for Independence and the new country of Mexico was formed from lands including Spanish Texas
		Texas as a Republic. 1836-1845. On March 2, 1836, Texans signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, effectively creating the Republic of Texas
		Texas in the Confederacy. 1861-1865. Texas declared its secession from the United States on February 1, 1861, and joined the Confederate States of America
		Texas in the US. 1845-1861 and 1865-Present Day. Following the defeat of the Confederate States Texas rejoined the United States of America
	The lower images on the shield picture the cannon of the Battle of Gonzales and an image of Vince's Bridge that featured in the Battle of Jacinto.
	The Mexican authorities had given the settlers of Gonzales a small cannon to help protect them from frequent Comanche raids. As political unrest increased with rebellions in different states the Mexicans demanded the return of the cannon. The Texans refused and the Battle of Gonzales was the first military engagement of the Texan Revolution.
	The Texas Revolution was the military conflict between the government of Mexico and Texas colonists that began October 2, 1835 and resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Texas after the final Battle of San Jacinto and Vince's Bridge on April 21, 1836.
	Vince's Bridge played a critical role during the April 1836 Battle of San Jacinto. Vince's Bridge was a wooden bridge constructed by Allen Vince over Sims Bayou near Harrisburg in Texas and its destruction by Texan soldiers prevented the arrival of re-enforcements to General Santa Anna's Mexican Army and resulted in the decisive defeat of the Mexican army, effectively ended the Texan Revolution.
	The phrase "Remember the Alamo" reflects the famous siege between massive Mexican forces against a small band of Texans (see below).
	The State Seal is kept and used as required by the Constitution and laws of the state.

Early Flyer depicting the Texas State Seal
This is a flyer showing an early design of the State Seal which features an image of the Alamo. The phrase "Remember the Alamo" is so important to the history of the state that it is included on the reverse of the seal. The Alamo was a mission in San Antonio and the site of a bloody 13 day siege February 23 – March 6, 1836 by Mexican forces totalling 1800, under President General Santa Anna, against a handful of American rebels fighting for Texan independence from Mexico. The Texan force of about 180 was led by Colonel Jim Bowie and included Davy Crockett and William B. Travis. The Texans were nearly all killed but "Remember the Alamo!" became a rallying cry for Texans through the remainder of the war. For detailed facts refer to the Battle of the Alamo.

Meaning of the Texas State Seal for schools, kids and children