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Our State Song

The state song of Texas is “Texas, Our Texas.” The music was written by the late William J. Marsh (who died Feb. 1, 1971, in Fort Worth at age 90), and the words by Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright, also of Fort Worth. It was the winner of a state song contest sponsored by the legislature and was adopted in 1929. The wording has been changed once: Shortly after Alaska became a state in Jan. 1959, the word “Largest” in the third line was changed by Mr. Marsh to “Boldest.” The text follows: Texas, Our Texas Texas, our Texas! all hail the mighty State! Texas, our Texas! So wonderful, so great! Boldest and grandest, Withstanding ev’ry test; O Empire wide and glorious, You stand supremely blest. Chorus God bless you, Texas! And keep you brave and strong, That you may grow in power and worth, Thro’out the ages long. Refrain Texas, O Texas! Your freeborn Single Star, Sends out its radiance To nations near and far. Emblem of freedom! It sets our hearts aglow, With thoughts of San Jacinto And glorious Alamo. Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free, Shines forth in splendor Your Star of Destiny! Mother of Heroes! We come your children true, Proclaiming our allegiance, Our Faith, Our Love for you.


Pledge to the Texas Flag

A pledge to the Texas flag was adopted by the 43rd Legislature. It contained a phrase, “Flag of 1836,” which inadvertently referred to the David G. Burnet flag instead of the Lone Star Flag adopted in 1839. In 1965, the 59th Legislature changed the pledge to its current form:

“Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one and indivisible.”

A person reciting the pledge to the state flag should face the flag, place the right hand over the heart and remove any easily removable hat. The pledge to the Texas flag may be recited at all public and private meetings at which the pledge of allegiance to the national flag is recited and at state historical events and celebrations. The pledge to the Texas flag should be recited after the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag if both are recited.

The six flags of Texas:

  • Spanish 1519-1685
  • French 1685-1690
  • Spanish 1690-1821
  • Mexican 1821-1836
  • Republic of Texas 1836-1845
  • United States 1845-1861
  • Confederate States 1861-1865
  • United States 1865- present

View Flags Here>> Texas Military Forces Museum

Texas state symbols:

Statehood: Dec. 29, 1845; the 28th state Nickname: Lone Star State Bird: Mockingbird State Reptile: The Texas horned lizard Flower: Bluebonnet Tree: Pecan Motto: Friendship Song: “Texas, Our Texas.”

Texas Data

Area: 692,245 Square meters (267,277 Square miles); rank: 2d.

Capital: Austin (1998 est. pop., 552,434).

Largest City: Houston (1998 est. pop., 1,786,691).

Counties: 254.

Elevations: highest–2,667 m (8,749 ft), at Guadalupe Peak; lowest–sea level, at the Gulf of Mexico.