Birthday Celebration Dr. Charles B. Stewart, Designer of The Texas Lone Star Flag

MONTGOMERY, TX -- 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. 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 flying the Lone Star Flag at their new residence and/or business.

The Montgomery Historic Society is hosting a birthday party for this favorite patriot of the City and County on Saturday, February 8, 2025, 11:00a to 1:00p. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration, have some cake, and learn more about Dr. Stewart’s accomplishments, such as the first Secretary of State of Texas!

Event Details—mark your calendar, bring children, invite friends:

• Date: Saturday, February 8, 11:00am – 1:00pm;
• Location: N.H. Davis Museum, 14263 Liberty St. in Montgomery;
• Historian Jack Shepherd will portray Dr. Stewart, detailing Stewart’s life and contributions to Montgomery and Texas histories.

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 roughly 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. This battle won Texas its independence from Mexico, which became official on April 21, 1836, with the signing of the Treaty of Velasco.

The Montgomery Historical Society invites everyone to join the first of what is planned to be a yearly birthday party celebrating Dr. Stewart’s birth on Saturday, February 8, in Montgomery, celebrating his birth 219 years ago on February 6, 1806!