When you step into the Elm Watering Hole at the YO Ranch Hotel, you aren’t just walking into a bar to grab a cold drink; you are stepping into a living museum of Texas heritage.
The YO Ranch Hotel has always been about preserving the spirit of the West, and nowhere is that more visible than on the walls of our favorite gathering spot. Hanging proudly above the tables are nine distinct flags. To the casual observer, they are colorful decorations, but to the history buff, they tell the chronological story of Texas—from the first shots of revolution to the establishment of the Republic and beyond.
Next time you stop by for a drink, take a moment to look up. Here is the story behind the nine historic flags you’ll see.
The Gonzales Flag ("Come and Take It")
Created: October 1835 Context: Flown at the Battle of Gonzales, the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution. The Story: When Mexican forces demanded the return of a small cannon given to the settlers of Gonzales for defense against natives, the Texans refused. They fashioned this flag from a wedding dress, painted a cannon and a lone star on it, and dared the opposing army to "Come and Take It." It remains the ultimate symbol of Texas defiance.
The 1824 Flag (The Alamo Flag)
Used: 1835–1836 Context: Flown by Texian forces, most famously at the Battle of the Alamo. The Story: Before Texans fought for total independence, they fought for their rights under the Mexican Constitution of 1824, which had been repealed by Santa Anna. This modified Mexican flag symbolizes the defenders' initial desire to restore a federalist government rather than secede entirely.
The Troutman Flag (Flag of the Georgia Battalion)
Designed: 1835 Context: Carried by the Georgia Battalion who came to Texas to aid in the fight for freedom. The Story: Designed by 18-year-old Joanna Troutman, this flag features a blue five-pointed star and the Latin phrase Ubi libertas habitat, ibi nostra patria est (Where liberty dwells, there is our country). The reverse side, shown in replicas, famously bore the motto "Liberty or Death."
Captain Scott’s Flag
Created: 1836 Context: Carried by Captain William Scott’s company of volunteers formed in Lynchburg, Texas. The Story: This flag leaves no room for interpretation. Featuring a single white star and the bold word "INDEPENDENCE," it signaled a shift from fighting for the Constitution of 1824 to fighting for a completely sovereign nation.
The Zavala Flag
Proposed: March 1836 Context: Attributed to Lorenzo de Zavala, the first Vice President of the Republic of Texas. The Story: While the exact historical design is debated, this flag is widely accepted as the first flag design proposed for the new Republic. It features a simple white star on a blue field with the letters T-E-X-A-S arranged between the points of the star.
The San Jacinto Flag (Newport Rifles)
Created: 1836 Context: Carried by Sidney Sherman’s volunteers at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. The Story: This is the only flag known to have been carried during the battle that won Texas its independence. It depicts Lady Liberty grasping a sword, with a banner reading "Liberty or Death." It represents the final push that secured the Republic.
The Burnet Flag
Adopted: December 1836 Context: The first official flag of the Republic of Texas. The Story: Adopted by the Texas Congress under President David G. Burnet, this flag features a large golden star on an azure background. It was the standard of the Republic for three years until the adoption of the current Lone Star Flag.
The Texas State Flag (The Lone Star)
Adopted: January 1839 Context: The official flag of the Republic, and later the State of Texas. The Story: This is the icon we all know today. The colors represent bravery (red), purity (white), and loyalty (blue). The single star represents all of Texas standing together as one for God, State, and Country.
The First National Flag of the Confederacy ("Stars and Bars")
Used: 1861–1863 Context: Flown during the American Civil War. The Story: Following Texas' annexation into the US and subsequent secession in 1861, this flag flew over the state during the Civil War era. It features a circle of stars representing the original states of the Confederacy, of which Texas was the seventh.
Come See Them for Yourself
Reading about history is one thing, but sitting beneath it with a whiskey in hand is another. We invite you to visit the Elm Watering Hole, explore the grounds, and soak in the rich heritage that makes the YO Ranch Hotel truly one of a kind.