Our flag is a symbol of our standards. The state flag and the new flag for Franklin County came about in similar ways. Both were designed to reflect bravery and loyalty. The second president of the 1836 Republic of Texas, Mirabeau B. Lamar, had a dream for a flag. He appointed a group to create an official flag for the Republic. The committee asked Dr. Charles Bellinger. He sketched a design on vellum. The original is in the Montgomery County Museum. President Lamar approved the design as the Republic's standard. When Texas became a state in 1845, our Lone Star joined the other national flags.
Last year, 2025, was the 150 th anniversary of Franklin County. When we began preparing for ways to commemorate 150 years, County Judge Scott Lee had a dream for Franklin County: a county flag of its own.
He said: “We need a lasting emblem for Franklin County that we can proudly display at our courthouse, our events, and in our community, a symbol of who we are and for which we stand. It would honor our past and carry forward into the future.”
The Judge appointed a group to facilitate a county flag. The group was Lilly Bush Reves, Jerald and Mary Lou Mowery, Beth Hedges, and Dan Hoke. The Judge was the chairperson. After the discussion of concepts, the group chose to rely on the creativity and talent of our High School art students. A flag design contest was offered to the Art department, and designs were submitted. One design stood out. The committee selected the winning design from the MVHS student, Hector Mendez. His design portrayed Franklin County, Texas, our strength, aspiration, and independence. Similar qualities the early settlers brought to the Texas area that became Franklin County.
The flag was presented and received in a ceremony during Country Fest on October 11, 2025. Judge Lee presented Hector Mendez with a Certificate of Appreciation and a $150 cash honorarium in honor of our 150 th Anniversary. The Judge said, “Hector, your design has captured the spirit of Franklin County, and it will forever represent us as our official county flag. On behalf of the Commissioners Court and the people of Franklin County, I present our county flag.” The flag was then raised to its place under the state flag.
The ceremony continued with the reading of a letter from the office of US Senator John Cornyn. Former County Judge and retired District Judge, Lanny Ramsay, gave the keynote address. He illuminated the significance of our remembering the right things. Hold fast to the values that bring respect and honor into all we do as a County. The Judge brought the closing remarks.
Congratulations, Hector. Your flag design work, as well as that of Dr. Bellinger, will always be a part of Texas history.
