Unique exhibit shows more than six

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas

March 28,2002 -- If you are like many other Texans, you probably thought that there were only six flags that flew over Texas. Think again!

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is presenting the Texas Flags exhibit until April 28, along with organizers from the Texas Historical Commission and the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission. Dr. Robert Maberry Jr. is the guest curator of the exhibit.

There are 32 flags on display, and it is the first time all of the flags from the Battle of San Jacinto have flown together since 1836, along with flags that flew over Texas battalions in World War II.

In his book "Texas Flags," Maberry has presented the first inclusive history of Texas flags in nearly 70 years.

"It's surprising, but this exhibition will be the first to document the dynamic history of Texas through the flags that have flown over the state since Texas gained its independence in 1836," said Peter C. Marzio, director of the MFAH. "The majority of these flags have never been displayed publicly, nor grouped historically in a book ...."

In 1977, fund raising began through the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, Inc. to conserve deteriorating state historic banners. In a very time consuming process, the flags/banners have been preserved through special handling and techniques.

The earliest flag represented was carried under the leadership of Sam Houston in the Texas Revolution. It is the San Jacinto Battle Flag and was handmade by women in Newport, Ky. It was later presented to Sidney Sherman's volunteer company in the fight for Texas' independence from Mexico.

The Guerrero Battalion Mexican Tricolor Battle Flag was made of three lengths of silk, and forensic texts have revealed that it was extensively stained with blood.

The flag of the Buffalo Soldiers, the African-American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army, gained respect from the Native Americans because of the strength and courage displayed by the soldiers during battle.

There are flags from Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders that included many Texans as well as the flag that flew over the U.S.S. Texas in World War II and an Election Flag used by James K. Polk while supporting Texas

annexation.

In 1844, many people were illiterate, so Polk's flag was used to convey a political message. Many other Confederate flags were designed with specific political positions in mind.

Lynn Feuerback of the MFAH said there has been a variety of groups visiting the exhibit, in Cullinan Hall in the Caroline Wiess Law Building, including school's field trips, church groups, and several military groups.

Feuerback said there was one visitor with her children from out of state who came to see the General Sherman flag, as they are related to Sherman.

One of the Confederate flags on exhibit is the Hood's Texas Brigade Flag. Legend has it that Mrs. Louis T. Wigfall, wife of the original commander of the Texas Brigade, incorporated sections of her wedding dress into the flag's construction. The existing flags of the famous Hood's Texas Brigade are displayed for the first time since the Civil War.

"Six flags have never been enough for Texans," said Maberry. "Throughout the state's colorful history, its people have unfurled dozens of individual designs, most sporting the lone five-point star in some form or other. These flags became the accouterments to great events and conveyors of the myths Texans hold so dear."