By Bea Rouse, Board Member
Montgomery Historical Society
On January 25, 1839, Dr. Charles B. Stewart slid across the table, his proposed drawing he hoped to be adopted as the Texas flag. Seated across from him was Mirabeau B. Lamar, President of the Republic of Texas. Lamar then signed the drawing, designating it as the “Official Flag, Republic of Texas.” Dr. Stewart lived just outside Montgomery when he accepted Lamar’s assignment to lead a committee to design an official flag for Texas.
President Lamar’s longing for one flag to be a banner recognized by all as representing Texas, was more successful than he could have ever dreamt. Many flags were carried from various states and volunteer groups who came to help during the fighting as the volunteers from all around, fought side-by-side with the Texas settlers, seeking and ultimately winning their independence from Mexico.
The “Texas Lone Star Flag” is recognized the world over and can be seen flying in many countries. Countless Texans have moved from their beloved state, taking their flag as they leave part of their hearts in their hometowns—then, proudly fly the Lone Star Flag at their new residence and/or business.
Many of us can confirm this inclination as we’ve traveled the world and seen our Montgomery-born Texas Lone Star Flag flying proudly—but in need of replacing. I, personally, plan to take a couple spare flags to award to those who’s flag needs renewing—like the ones we saw at the BBQ place on St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., or on the boat tied to a dock on the Seine River in Paris!
The Montgomery Historic Society is hosting a birthday party for this favorite patriot of the City and County on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration, have some refreshments, and learn more about Dr. Stewart’s accomplishments, such as being appointed the first Secretary of State of Texas!
When the Texas “Unanimous Declaration of Independence” was signed on March 2, 1836, “C. B. Stewart” was the first of the 59 delegates to sign the 12-page document. Four days later, the Alamo fell after well over 1,600 Mexican soldiers attacked, scaling the walls of the Alamo under Gen. Santa Anna, overwhelming the approximate number of 200 brave Texans, led by William B. Travis and volunteers such as James Bowie and “Davy” Crockett. Any survivors were believed to be executed.
A few weeks later, with the Texans’ cries of “Remember Goliad!… Remember the Alamo!”…Dr. Stewart was among the greatly-outnumbered volunteers at the Battle at the San Jacinto River near Houston, when the Texans, led by Gen. Sam Houston, defeated Santa Anna’s army. This battle won Texas its independence from Mexico, which became official on April 21, 1836, with the signing of the Treaty of Velasco.
Event Details—mark your calendar—bring children, invite friends:
• Date: Saturday, February 28, 11:00am – 1:00pm;
• Location: N.H. Davis Museum, 14263 Liberty St. in Montgomery.
Special Appearances:
• Historian Jack Shepherd will portray Dr. Stewart, detailing Stewart’s life and contributions to Montgomery and Texas histories.
• Pat and Ted Spackey’s daughter, Christy Slice, will be continuing her mother’s appearances to educate the public as to the Spackey family’s ancestor, Dr. Stewarts’, many accomplishments besides designing our flag. Ms. Slice will be at this event celebrating his birth 220 years ago this year. We all dearly loved Pat Spackey, “The Texas Flag Lady,” the great-great-great-granddaughter of Dr. Stewart, who passed away, November, 2024, after appearing at literally hundreds of events with her beloved husband, Ted, by her side, after moving to Montgomery County in 2006. In 2025, Pat was recognized by the Texas Legislature as a “Woman of Historical Significance.” It will be a treat to meet Christy Slice and visit with other Spackey family members at this, her first appearance as the new “Texas Flag Lady.”
The Montgomery Historical Society invites everyone to join the Second Annual Birthday Party, celebrating Dr. Stewart’s birth on Saturday, February 28, in Montgomery, 220 years ago on February 6, 1806