The Texas state seal, designed in 1836, features a five-pointed star, olive and oak branches, and has undergone few revisions. The state motto is Friendship, and the state food is chili peppers. The state seal also includes a decorative emblem depicting the six flags that have flown over the state throughout history. “Remember the Alamo” is a battle slogan that originated from the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
The basic design of the Texas state seal remains similar to the one designed in 1836 when Texas gained its independence from Mexico. A five-pointed star represents the dominant feature and primary focus on the sigil. In addition to the star, olive branches and oak branches line the bottom of the state seal. Historians believe that these components may have come from the once-used Mexican seal.
The two branches on the Texas state seal look similar, but closer inspection shows small olives on one twig and acorns on the other. The olive branch represents peace, while the oak branch represents strength and the will to defend the state. Symbols of peace and strength were added to the original seal in 1839.
Before Texas became the 28th state in 1845, the Texas state seal was actually the seal of the republic. The word republic was removed and the word state added once statehood passed. Texas seceded from the United States in 1861 to join the Confederate states, but was readmitted in 1870.
Even though there have been very few revisions to the state seal for more than a century, different designs have been used by various state offices. It wasn’t until 1992 that lawmakers adopted an official seal, created by Juan Vega. All government departments have been instructed to use the adopted seal on official documents.
The state seal of Texas also contains a decorative emblem, approved in 1961, on the reverse. This design depicts the six flags that have flown over the state throughout history displaying them on a shield. The five-pointed star appears above the shield, along with the words “Remember the Alamo.” A second banner at the bottom of the shield proclaims “Texas, one and indivisible.” This addition to the Texas state seal is purely decorative and not used for official business.
The Battle of the Alamo killed all Texans involved and continued for two weeks in 1836. Among the casualties were David Crockett and Jim Bowie. A subsequent skirmish resulted in the deaths of Texans in the town of Goliad, prompting the use of “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad” as battle slogans.
The state motto of Texas is Friendship and its state food is chili peppers. Texans have also adopted a state bread, state tissue, and state snack. Field bread, a simple early settler food made over an open fire in a Dutch oven, represents the state bread. Elementary school kids have suggested tortilla chips and salsa as a state snack. A history of cotton cultivation has led to cotton being named a state fabric.
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