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July 26, 2021
Today in Texas history
By Bandera Spirits of Texas
On this day in 1845, the United States flag is said to have been raised on St. Joseph Island by United States troops. This was the first time the U.S. flag was flown in Texas. St. Joseph Island is a sand barrier island in Aransas County.
The troops were part of a force under Gen. Zachary Taylor sent to protect Texas from Mexican interference after annexation. After the detachment landed on the island, the main force landed on Aug. 1 and camped by a massive live oak tree at the site of present-day Rockport.
The tree is now known as the Zachary Taylor Oak.
The troops were part of a force under Gen. Zachary Taylor sent to protect Texas from Mexican interference after annexation. After the detachment landed on the island, the main force landed on Aug. 1 and camped by a massive live oak tree at the site of present-day Rockport.
The tree is now known as the Zachary Taylor Oak.