Texas Republicans Inch Closer to Secession | Mother Jones Texas Republicans Inch Closer to Secession Texas Republicans Inch Closer to Secession GOP delegates to vote on the issue at this week's convention. Josh Harkinson May 11, 2016 2:09 PM Texas Nationalist Movement /Facebook If the nationalists get their way, this November might be the last time Texans vote for a US president. On Wednesday, the Platform Committee of the Texas Republican Party voted to put a Texas independence resolution up for a vote at this week's GOP convention, according to a press release from the pro-secession Texas Nationalist Movement. The resolution calls for allowing voters to decide whether the Lone Star State should become an independent nation. Texas was, in fact, its own country for nine years before joining the United States in 1845, and while the idea of returning to independence has never been taken seriously by most people, it remains popular as a romantic notion and marketing hook. Lone Star beer is the "national beer of Texas." Texas Monthly is the "national magazine of Texas." In a 2009 rally, then-Gov.

Rick Perry hinted that the state could secede if "Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people." He later backed off the idea. (Representatives of the state GOP and Texas Nationalist Movement could not be reached for comment.) The Texas Nationalist Movement, once considered a quixotic fringe group, has added hundreds of members in the years since the election of Barack Obama. According to the Houston Chronicle's Dylan Baddour , at least 10 county GOP chapters are coming to the convention supporting independence resolutions. But this will be the first time in the state's 171-year history that they will actually vote on one. It's very unlikely to win. Then again, that's what people said about Donald Trump. Get the scoop, straight from Mother Jones. Texas - U.S. States - HISTORY.com Bird: Mockingbird Interesting Facts During Texas’ war for independence from Mexico, a group of 200 volunteers who were defending the fort and former Franciscan mission known as the Alamo near San Antonio was attacked by a much larger force of Mexican troops.

The siege, which had begun on February 23, 1836, lasted for 13 days before the Mexican forces broke through the courtyard and annihilated most of the Texans, including famed frontiersman and former congressman from Tennessee, Davy Crockett. On September 8, 1900, a Category 4 hurricane with winds up to 130 miles per hour pummeled Galveston, Texas, killing more than 8,000 people and destroying the once-thriving city. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. While traveling through Dallas in an open convertible on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald. Two hours later, Vice President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as the 36th president of the United States aboard Air Force One while stationed at Dallas Love Field airport. The Johnson Space Center in Houston, originally established as the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) in 1961, is the site of Mission Control for all flights into space.

On July 20, 1969, its flight controllers oversaw the Apollo 11 flight that landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon and returned the astronauts safely home. Referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome in Houston was the world’s first domed stadium when it was opened in 1965. Drawing crowds for sporting events, concerts, rodeos and entertainment, the Astrodome was last used in 2005 as a shelter for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Texas is the leading crude oil- and natural gas-producing state in the U.S. In 2011, it also produced more cattle, sheep, hay, cotton and wool than any other state. The name Texas derives from a Caddo Indian word that means “friends” or “allies,” which was incorporated into the state motto: Friendship. Tags Lone Star State Of Mind: Could Texas Go It Alone? : NPR Lone Star Nation: Today, the Texas capitol flies both the American and Texas flags, but after independence the Lone Star flag would fly on its own.

Steve Dunwell/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Steve Dunwell/Getty Images It's a popular idea in Texas that the Lone Star State — once an independent republic — could break away and go it alone. A few years ago, Texas Gov. Rick Perry hinted that if Washington didn't stop meddling in his state, independence might be an option. In his brief run for the White House, he insisted that nearly anything the feds do, the states — and Texas in particular — could do better. So we're putting Perry's suggestions to the test — NPR is liberating Texas. We asked scholars, business leaders, diplomats, journalists and regular folk to help us imagine an independent Texas based on current issues before the state. (Though, to be clear, no one quoted here actually favors secession.) We begin our exercise in Austin, capital of the new Republic of Texas, where the Independence Day party raged until dawn to the music of Austin's own Asleep at the Wheel . Lead singer Ray Benson announced to the crowd, "We have severed the ties with the United States of America. Texas is free!" and the masses roared in response.

Article continues after sponsorship The former state has reinvented itself as a sort of Lone Star Singapore, with low taxes, free trade and minimal regulation. It enters the community of nations as the world's 15th-largest economy, with vast oil and gas reserves, busy international ports, an independent power grid and a laissez-faire attitude about making money. Texas Is 'Open For Business' The Texas Association of Business advertises the new nation's economic potential with a radio ad that declares, "Texas: Now it is a whole other country — and it's open for business ... C'mon over. Be part of our vibrant free-market nation." Driving around Texas, it's not uncommon to spot bumper stickers that tout the idea of an independent Longhorn nation. John Burnett/NPR hide caption toggle caption John Burnett/NPR Driving around Texas, it's not uncommon to spot bumper stickers that tout the idea of an independent Longhorn nation. John Burnett/NPR "What we have been able to do since we threw off the yoke of the federal government is create a country that has the assets necessary to build an incredible empire," says Bill Hammond, the association's president.

Imagine airports without the Transportation Security Administration; gun sales without the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; land development without the Endangered Species Act; new congressional districts without the Voting Rights Act; and a new guest-worker program without Washington gridlock over immigration reform. Indeed, new immigration laws sailed through the Texas Congress. Immigrant workers are now legally crossing the border to frame houses, mow lawns and clean hotel rooms. "We now have a safe and secure guest-worker program that allows immigrants to come and go as the jobs ebb and flow, and fill the jobs that Texans are unwilling to do," Hammond says. The new normal is a leaner government that bears little resemblance to the full-service nation it left behind. The Tea Party faithful who embraced nationhood early on say it's a lot better than being beholden to Chinese bankers. "What is the Republic of Texas charged with actually doing? [It's] charged with defense, charged with education, charged with a few things that you have to do, and the rest is wide open," says Felicia Cravens, a high school drama teacher active in the Houston Tea Party movement.

"Liberty may look like chaos, but to us it's a lot of choices." Under statehood, the U.S. government contributed 60 percent of all Texas aid to the poor. In an independent republic, federal benefits like food stamps, free school lunches and unemployment compensation would disappear, according to two Dallas Tea Party leaders. Liberty may look like chaos, but to us it's a lot of choices. Felicia Cravens, Texas high school teacher "The nation of Texas is a living experiment into what we call the empowerment society. It is no longer a caretaker society," says Ken Emanuelson, founder of the Grassroots Texans Network . Texas Tea Party member Katrina Pierson adds, "There's a safety net that's always been out there. We don't have that anymore. You will be a productive member of society and our environment doesn't allow for people to not be productive." Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson imagines that low-wage Texas would become a new magnet for assembly plants that might have considered setting up shop in Mexico or Malaysia.

"Since Texas has become independent, we are surprised — and some are pleased — to see that maquiladora [or foreign-owned] plants are springing up on the south side of the Red River and on the Sabine [River]," Jillson says. "The American South is complaining because some plants are moving to Texas." With independence, the epic battles between the state of Texas and the Environmental Protection Agency would finally be over. The state sued the EPA repeatedly for telling Texas how to run its refineries and coal-fired power plants. Business experts say the new republic would rely on voluntary pollution controls with minimal oversight — a boon to the industrial sector. But how would that go over with residents of refinery towns who have to breathe the air where they live? "I am very, very skeptical that the nation of Texas will do a good job at protecting the health and safety of the people, because the EPA is no longer in the equation," says Hilton Kelley, founder and director of the Community Empowerment and Development Association in Port Arthur. "It's all about petroleum; it's all about money." 'Peeling Back The Onion' Of Texan Independence As an independent country, Texas's red granite capitol building would no longer fly the American flag, only the Lone Star.

The new nationalism that breaks out inside the new government would soon be tempered by an independence hangover. "Every day we're peeling back the onion and finding another level of complexity that I don't think anybody initially anticipated," says Harvey Kronberg, longtime editor and publisher of the Texas political newsletter Quorum Report. According to Kronberg, a modern sovereign nation requires more — not less — government than a state would. Consider all the new departments it would need to monitor things like foreign affairs, aviation and nuclear regulation. And then there are all the expenses Washington used to take care of — things like maintaining interstate highways, inspecting meat and checking passports. "Reality is beginning to stagger the folks in the [capitol] building," Kronberg says. Public education is a good example. In 2011, the Texas state Legislature slashed billions of dollars from school systems at a time when Texas was already 43rd among the states in per pupil spending and dead last in the number of adults who completed high school. Steve Murdock, the former Texas state demographer and current director of the Hobby Center for the Study of Texas , expects that things would not improve under the budget of a struggling infant nation.

"For Texas to be the competitive nation that we would all wish it would be, it has to make major improvements in education," Murdock says, "because right now it's falling short." Texas writer Joe Nick Patoski sits on a bench in downtown Austin, ruminating on the hassles of self-rule. "You can't get in the car and go to New Orleans [and] be there in six hours anymore," he says. "Listen, have you been to the Louisiana checkpoint in Vinton? They're extracting some kind of revenge, the way they treat us as Third World citizens." Patoski imagines losing a number of friends to the post-secession "Texodus," when U.S. citizens fled Texas for the Upper 48 states. He says he's rooting for the republic, but he's anxious for its future. Today, all that marks the state line between Texas and Louisiana are welcome signs. After independence, those signs would most likely be replaced with the customs and immigration checkpoints that come with any border crossings. Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Getty Images Today, all that marks the state line between Texas and Louisiana are welcome signs.

After independence, those signs would most likely be replaced with the customs and immigration checkpoints that come with any border crossings. Getty Images "I'm still proud to be a Texan," he says, "but I wish they would've thought this through before they jumped and cut the cord." Step 1: Don't Go To War With Oklahoma During the state's first run as a republic, from 1836 to 1845, Texas established diplomatic relations with England, France, the Netherlands and the United States. Today, the modern nation of Texas would find even more countries eager to build embassies in Austin, says Carne Ross of Independent Diplomat , a New York firm that advises fledgling nations. "Because of Texas' wealth — [it's the] 15th-largest economy in the world — [foreign nations] do not want to have bad relations with Texas," Ross says. "There are many countries, China for instance, that want to preserve their ability to access countries with major oil and gas reserves, so Texas fit into that." Unlike the first republic, a modern nation of Texas needs to have positions on things like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"But what was interesting was that Texas' positions were often quite different from the remaining United States," Ross says. What would Texas's foreign policy entail? Country singer and humorist Kinky Friedman imagines what he would do as the Texas secretary of foreign affairs. "I think the first thing we would do is go to the Third World countries and teach the women how to grow big hair and give the men Rick Perry wigs," he says. "I will keep us out of war with Oklahoma. And one of the first countries we'll open free trade with is Cuba. We will be opening cigar stores all over Texas. We're not supporting their economy; we're burning their fields." From Texas To La Republica De Tejas Texas might see itself as culturally akin to its former fatherland, but as time goes on, the nation's destiny would be determined by its genetic ties to the south. If current demographic growth continues, Texas will become majority Hispanic within a generation. The prospect of Texas as the newest Latin American nation amuses Austin cultural marketing consultant Mando Rayo. "Texas becomes La Republica de Tejas," Rayo says.

"The panhandle city of Amarillo becomes Amarillo, and our national pride, the Dallas Vaqueros, win the Super Bowl." But would the U.S. let Texas go or would there be a constitutional standoff and opposition from the remaining united states? University of Texas, Austin, presidential scholar H.W. Brands doesn't anticipate a painful separation. "The Texans were all set for a fight," he says. "I don't know, maybe they were a little bit surprised — maybe they were miffed — that much of the rest of the country said, 'Well we've had enough of the Texans, let 'em go. We'll be better off without 'em.' " The premise of an independent Texas isn't actually all that popular in the Lone Star State. Last year, Public Policy Polling asked Texans if they favored secession, and fewer than 1 in 5 were for it . As for the 18 percent that said yes — they can just consider our simulation food for thought. Texas State Nickname | The Lone Star State The Lone Star State Texas became the 28th state in 1845. The Texas quarter features an outline of Texas, the famous Lone Star ( public domain image on Wikipedia ).

[file:field-file-name-of-photo]; [file:field-file-main-description]. Photo by [file:field-file-photographer]/ [file:field-file-source] ([file:field-file-license]). Official State Nickname of Texas The nickname for Texas, "The Lone Star State," was made official in 2015 (House Concurrent Resolution No. 77, 84th Legislature, Regular Session). All State Nicknames The "Lone Star" can be found on the Texas state flag , the state seal , the U.S. Mint's bicentennial commemorative quarter for Texas, and is also recognized as the official state gemstone cut of Texas .

Concurrent Resolution WHEREAS, Over the course of nearly 200 years, people all around the world have come to know the State of Texas as "the Lone Star State," and it is time that this universally recognized nickname receive official recognition; and WHEREAS, The exact origins of this colorful phrase, and the use of a single, white, five-pointed star to represent Texas, are unclear; some accounts trace it to a flag carried by the James Long Expedition in 1819, an early attempt to free Texas from the Spanish empire, while a recent discovery of coins that were minted in what is now San Antonio, showing a five-pointed star on one side and the year 1817 on the other, suggest that the star was already in use as a symbol for the region; and WHEREAS, The first official use of the Lone Star came in 1836, when the Congress of the Republic of Texas adopted a flag with a five-pointed gold star on a background of deep azure, known as the David G.

Burnet Flag; three years later, the Texas Congress adopted what is commonly known as the Lone Star Flag, showing a bright white star against deep blue on the left of the flag and two horizontal stripes of white and red on the flag's right; this was made the official flag of the State of Texas in 1933; and WHEREAS, Today, the distinctive five-pointed star and the phrase "the Lone Star State" are instantly recognizable the world over as the primary symbol and nickname for Texas; the term "Lone Star" has been adopted by countless enterprises, from a brand of beer to car dealerships, restaurants, hotels, and barbecue establishments, along with nearly every other sort of business; over the years, at least 10 communities in Texas have been named Lone Star, including towns in Morris, Floyd, Bastrop, Delta, Polk, and other counties; and WHEREAS, Whatever its origins, and whatever its uses, from the serious to the playful, the phrase "the Lone Star State" has achieved universal currency as a sharp and memorable way to evoke the unique legacy of Texas and the indomitable spirit of its people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the

 State of Texas hereby designate "the Lone Star State" as the official nickname of Texas.

Texas State Nicknames South Dakota - Wyoming Texas A single star was part of the Long Expedition (1819), Austin Colony (1821) and several flags of the early Republic of Texas. Some say that the star represented the wish of many Texans to achieve statehood in the United States. Others say it originally represented Texas as the lone state of Mexico which was attempting to uphold its rights under the Mexican Constitution of 1824. At least one "lone star" flag was flown during the Battle of Concepcion and the Siege of Bexar (1835). Joanna Troutman's flag with a single blue star was raised over Velasco on January 8, 1836. Another flag with a single star was raised at the Alamo (1836) according to a journal entry by David Crockett. One carried by General Sam Houston's Texian army (which defeated Mexican General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto ) may have been captured and taken to Mexico. Another "lone star" flag, similar to the current one but with the red stripe above the white, was also captured the following year (1837) and returned to Mexico. The "David G.

Burnet" flag, of "an azure ground" (blue background) "with a large golden star central" was adopted by the Congress of the Republic of Texas in December of 1836. It continued in use as a battle flag after being superseded in January of 1839. The 1839 design has been used to symbolize the Republic and the Lone Star State ever since. source: Utah Beehive State The beehive became the official state emblem on March 4, 1959. Utahans relate the beehive symbol to industry and the pioneer virtues of thrift and perseverance. The beehive was chosen as the emblem for the provisional State of Deseret in 1848 and was maintained on the seal of the State of Utah when Utah became a state in 1896. Vermont Green Mountain State Verd Mont was a name given to the Green Mountains in October, 176l, by the Rev. Dr. Peters, the first clergyman who paid a visit to the 30,000 settlers in that country, in the presence of Col.

Taplin, Col. Willes, Col. Peters, Judge Peters and many others, who were proprietors of a large number of townships in that colony. The ceremony was performed on the top of a rock standing on a high mountain, then named Mount Pisgah because it provided to the company a clear sight of lake Champlain at the west, and of Connecticut river at the east, and overlooked all the trees and hills in the vast wilderness at the north and south. Virginia Old Dominion State Charles II of England quartered the arms of Virginia on his shield in 1663, thus adding Virginia to his dominions of France, Ireland and Scotland. Called the Mother State because it was the first state to be colonized. source: State Names, Seals, Flags, and Symbols by Benjamin F. Shearer, Barbara S. Shearer Washington On November 11, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state to enter the Union. It is the only state named for a president. Washington was nicknamed The Evergreen State by C.T. Conover, pioneer Seattle realtor and historian, for its abundant evergreen forests.

The nickname was adopted by the Legislature in February, 1893. Sponsored by credit to: Mike Workman The judiciary of the state consists of the Supreme Court, with nine members elected to six year terms, nine members of the State Court of Criminal Appeals elected to six year terms, and the Courts of Appeals with 80 judges elected to serve six year terms. In addition, 386 State District Courts judges are elected to four year terms. The Texas court system also includes 10 Criminal District Courts, 174 County Courts at Law, 434 County Courts, 884 Justice of the Peace Courts, and 853 Municipal Courts. THE SHAPE OF THE STATE When Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836, the land grab was on and Texans quickly claimed territory for their new republic. from the headwaters of the Rio Grande in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the western boundary stretched north to the 42nd parallel in Wyoming and followed the Rio Grande south through New Mexico to the Gulf of Mexico. the Sabine River set the eastern boundary.

The northern border meandered along the red River tot the 100 degree meridian, then extended into present day Kansas. From there, the Arkansas River set the boundary into central Colorado. A long arm of territory reached into Wyoming. When Texas joined the Union in 1845, the vast territory of the republic was mostly unsettled and was considered public land. The state did not turn over ownership of those public lands to the federal government upon joining the Union. Instead, the classic, if peculiar, shape of Texas known today was determined as part of the Compromise of 1850. For a $10 million price tag, Texas sold 98,300 square miles of that public land to the United States. The land included parts of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. In February 1845, Texas approved the resolution to enter the Union. Part of that resolution, which came to be known as the Constitution of 1845, stated that Texas would retain its right to divide into four states in addition to the original Texas. Although most Texans can't imagine splitting up the Lone Star State, the legal right to do so still remains!

SETTLING TEXAS When Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked along the Texas coast in 1528, he and three surviving shipmates became the first Spaniards to explore the territory that would become Texas. Cabeza de Vaca and his companions lived among the Native Americans for eight years before returning home to what is now Mexico.. They took with them tales of cities of gold that caused great excitement. In 1540, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado set off with an army to find the fabled cities of gold. Coronado searched all the way to present day Kansas without ever finding the wealth described by Cabeza de Vaca. In 1682, Frenchman Rene Robert Cavlier, Sieur de La Salle, followed the Mississippi River to its mouth and claimed all of the country that was drained by the great river for France. he called the area Louisiana, which included the territory of Texas. IN 1685, La Salle established a crude stockade, Fort St. Louis, on the Texas cost.

But in 1690 Spaniard Alonso de Leon discovered that Native Americans had destroyed the fort and La Salle had been assassinated by one of his own men in 1687. The French flag flew over Texas for only five years, from 1685 until 1690, before the land once again became the property of Spain. With the threat of the French removed, the Spanish immediately began establishing missions in East and central Texas. Along the San Antonio River, five missions still stand as testament to the Spanish heritage of Texas. financed by the Spanish government and directed by Franciscan friars between 1680 and 1773, the missions were civil as well as spiritual centers. Each mission was designed as a self-contained village, with a fortified wall surrounding a central plaza. The Alamo is the most famous of the missions. but the Mission San Jose is the state's largest restored mission. Mission Concepcion, established in 1731, remains virtually untouched by any restoration, and original, slightly faded frescoes adorn the walls. Between Mission Espada and Mission San Juan Capistrano, a water system considered one of the oldest in the United States still carries water.

More than 30 missions were established by the Spanish in Texas. In 1803, when France sold Louisiana to the United States, and Texas found itself on the border of New Spain (present day Mexico) and the United States. The Spanish intended to colonize the territory with loyal subjects and keep out the land hungry Americans. but in 1821, Spain gave Stephen F. Austin permission to bring American families into the territory. That small crack in the border would lead to the Anglo-American settlement of Texas. Austin's colonists began arriving in 1823, only to find that Mexico had won its independence from Spain.. The Territory was now the Mexican state of Coahuila-Texas. BECOMING A REPUBLIC The colonization of Texas as a Mexican state brought Anglos westward from the United States and Mexicans northward. Differences in language and culture led to tension. Most Mexicans were Catholic and most Anglos were Protestant. The Americans felt ties to the United States, not Mexico. Trade grew between Texas and the United States, alarming Mexico. In 1830, the Mexican Congress passed a law that stopped American immigration into Texas. it initiated custom collections as the government tried to stay in control.

Dissatisfaction spread among the settlers, and in 1832, skirmishes broke out that signaled the coming revolution. War broke out in Gonzales on October 2, 1835, when Mexican troops attempted to confiscate a cannon from Texas settlers. Waving a banner that read, "Come And Take It," the Texans defeated the Mexicans. The Texas Revolution lasted from that October until the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Santa Anna surrounded the Alamo on February 23, 1836. He finally attacked n March 6. All of Texas' 187 men died in the battle, including David Crockett, James Bowie, and William Travis. Toribio Losoya, a 27 year old who was born at the Alamo compound, was one of eight native born Mexicans who fought on the side of Texas. The four corners of the church crumbled, and Santa Anna burned the interior. Yet the church's front limestone wall survived with its delicate carvings intact. Over the arched doorway of the Alamo, the keystone still bears the carving of the royal seal of the Spanish Crown.

On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston and his Texas forces defeated Mexican troops at the Battle of San Jacinto. It was the Texas Revolution's decisive battle and lasted a short 18 minutes. Houston attacked the Mexicans during the afternoon while Santa Anna, the Mexican president, was taking his siesta. When the smoke cleared, Santa Anna was nowhere in sight, and Houston dispatched patrols to find the Mexican general. While on patrol, James Sylvester spotted a group of deer grazing in the grass. The Kentucky sharpshooter leveled his gun, but a movement nearby spooked the animals. When Sylvester went to investigate, a Mexican in a dirty hat bolted from the grass only to fall flat on his face in front of his captors. As the patrol rode back into camp with their catch, Mexican prisoners began shouting, "El Presidente!" James Sylvester had captured Santa Anna. Officials dedicated the San Jacinto Monument on April 21, 1939, to commemorate the battle that finally declared Texas independent from Mexico. The tower of the monument rises 570 feet, taller than either the Washington Monument of the Statue of Liberty.

The 35 foot high star atop the tower is faced with three inch thick Texas Cordova shell limestone. SAM HOUSTON Sam Houston served two terms as a Tennessee congressman and was elected governor in 1827. Resigning from office after the dissolution of his marriage, he lived with the Cherokee in Indian Territory (Oklahoma) for six years. By 1835, Houston had moved to Texas where he served his adopted home for three decades. He was a military commander, a two-term president of the republic, and a US. senator after annexation. Like any person in public life, Houston had enemies. None was quite as irritating as Mirabeau B. Lamar - a man he disagreed with on almost every issue. Houston advocated Native American rights'; Lamar worked to eradicate entire native populations. Houston wanted to avoid the Civil War; Lamar favored secession. The political rivalry between the two ---never a secret --became glaringly apparent at Lamar's inauguration as president of the Republic of Texas in December 1838. The crowd expected a brief, dignified introduction of the new president. Instead, Houston came dressed in "George Washington" attire, complete with nee britches and white wig.

He then began a three hour speech. When Houston finally stepped down, Lamar was too exhausted to deliver his inaugural address. His private secretary read it to the inattentive audience. TEXAS FLAGS During its history, Texas has had eight changes of sovereignty, and six flags have flown over the state. The Lone Star symbol has flown above many historic events. When fighting began in Gonzales in October 1835, the star was outlined on a white banner above a cannon barrel and the daring words "Come And Take It. The challenge referred to a small, brass cannon that Mexico had issued to Texans for defense against Native Americans. Mexico wanted the cannon that Mexico had issued to Texans for defense against Native Americans. Mexico wanted the cannon returned and it wanted the upstart Texans to submit to governmental rule. In December 1835, Texans fought at San Antonio de Bexar under a flag sewn by Sarah Dodson, who made the banner for her husband and his fighting compatriots. A long, tricolor banner of red, white, and blue displayed the familiar five-point star on the blue field.

At the Battle of Goliad in December 1835, volunteers from Georgia arrived waving a white silk flag stitched by Joanna Troutman, an 18 year old Georgian who had never been to Texas. Her flag featured a blue, five point star with the words "LIBERTY OR DEATH" inscribed beneath the star. On February 13, 1913, the Texas Legislature named her the "Betsy Ross of Texas" for her Lone Star flag. In May 1836, the "Lorenzo de Zaval flag" was adopted as the banner for the fledgling Republic of Texas. It featured a blue background with a centered white star circled by the letters T-E-X-A-S. Later that same year, on December 10, the Republic opted for a different flag. The "David G. Burnet flag" also featured a blue background, but with a gold, five-point star in the center. Neither flag gained support from the citizens. finally, on January 25, 1839, the Third Congress of the Republic officially accepted a flag designed by Dr. Charles Stewart. That Lone Star flag of the Republic still waves today over the Lone Star State.

At the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, Mexican forces captured a Lone Star flag. since then, the banner has been displayed at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. The cotton "Alamo Flag" is trimmed in gold and embroidered with an eagle. In its beak, the eagle holds a banner that reads "God and Liberty." Texans, in turn, captured three Mexican flags when they defeated General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto. the Mexican banners were preserved in storage in Austin. The North American Free Trade Agreement has prompted officials in both countries to exchange these flags. As of August 1994, discussions were ongoing and may lead to a trade of the banners.

State Stone - Petrified palmwood, adopted in 1969 State Gem - Texas blue topaz, adopted in 1969 State Grass - Sideoats grama, adopted in 1971 State Dish - Chili, adopted in 1977 State Fish - Guadalupe bass, adopted in 1989 State Folk Dance - Square dance, adopted in 1991 State Fruit - Texas red grapefruit, adopted in 1993 State Seashell - Lightning whelk, adopted in 1987 State Song - Texas, Our Texas , adopted in 1929 Unofficial State Song - They Eyes of Texas are Upon You". TEXAS OUR TEXAS Texas, our Texas! All hail the mighty State! Texas, our Texas! So wonderful, so great! Boldest and grandest, withstanding every test; O empire wide and glorious you stand supremely blest. (Chorus) Texas, O Texas! Your freeborn single star, Sends out its radiance to nations near and far, Emblem of freedom! It sets our hearts aglow, With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo. (Chorus) Texas, dear Texas!

From tyrant grip now free. Shines forth n splendor your star of destiny! Mother of Heroes! We come your children true. Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you. (Chorus) Chorus: God bless you, Texas! And keep you brave and strong. That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long. THE HISTORY OF CAPITALS AND CAPITOLS When 27 year old Stephen F. Austin inherited a land grant from his father, Moses, he quite by accident began his journey to becoming the "father of Texas." Austin worked for more than a year I Mexico to secure the right to colonize Texas territory then belonging to the Mexican government. His determination was rewarded, and San Felipe de Austin at Atascosito Crossing on the Brazos River was established as the seat of government for the colonists. So began the Anglo-American settlement of Texas. During 1823 and 1824, land titles were given to families settling in the area. Those original Texas colonist became known as "The Old 300." Families engaged in faring received a labor of land, or about 177 acres.

Those raising livestock were given a league of land, about 4,428 acres. Austin laid claim to about 22 leagues. He died on December 27, 1836, only eight months after Texas won its independence from Mexico. Although San Felipe de Austin is known as the first capital of Texas, Washington on the Brazos is considered the birthplace of the Republic of Texas. Located just 150 miles east of San Antonio de Bexar in March 1836, the tiny town was ill prepared to serve the representatives who arrived to draft the Declaration of Independence. The town began in 1822 as a ferry crossing on the Brazos River. When the delegates arrived, the place barely offered the necessities of life, much less any luxuries . William Fairfax Gray looked on as events unfolded and described the town as having "only one well defined street" and "about a dozen wretched cabins or shanties." A single tavern offered meager lodging that consisted of a single room with two fireplaces. With only one choice available, the delegates did not have the option to shop around for cheap hotels or try to find hotel deals that accommodated their higher standard of living.

During their 17 day stay in the capital, the delegates endured the same menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner ---beans, cornbread, and fried pork. When delegates hastily departed Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 17, 1836, the Alamo had fallen and Mexican forces were only a few days march away. To escape capture by Santa Anna and other Mexican generals, the government relocated temporarily at Harrisburg, and then Galveston Island. After the republic's victory at San Jacinto, President Burnet moved the capital to Velasco. There, on May 14, 1836, Santa Anna signed two treaties that ended the Texas Revolution. But the search for a permanent capital didn't end. In October 1836, the seat of government moved to Columbia, where Texas' only legitimate newspaper, the Telegraph and Texas Register, was published. Sam Houston took over as president that same month. In April 1837, the capital moved once again - this time to his namesake town of Houston on Buffalo Bayou. At the time, the town was little more than a muddy tract of land with two saloons, a few log cabins , and tents.

A two-story, unfinished building housed the government. In October 1839, with Mirabeau B. Lamar as president, the government chose as a capital a town more centrally located n the republic's territory. The community of Waterloo, settled by four families on the north bank of the Colorado River, was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, and became the permanent capital of the republic. Furniture and archives of the government were moved from Houston by 50 covered wagons in the fall of 1839. The capital issue appeared to be settled in 1839. But when Sam Houston assumed the presidency of the republic again in 1841, he attempted to move the government's headquarters from Austin back to Houston. He secretly ordered the republic's official records removed from Austin. The attempted late-night record theft was thwarted when Mrs. Angelina Eberly fired a cannon and alerted Austin citizens to the shenanigans. A party of Austin residents retrieved the records, and the seat of government was saved in Austin.

The historical farce has became known as the "Archive War." When Texas needed a new capitol building in 1882, the state was cash-poor and land-rich. So the legislature accepted bids from anyone willing to construct the building in exchange for 3 million acres of Panhandle land. A syndicate of four Chicago businessmen got the bid, the 3 million acres, and an extra 50,000 acres for surveying the West Texas soil. The deal created the 3,050,000 acre XIT Ranch - a 30 mile wide piece of land stretching 200 miles along the Texas-New Mexico border through 10 counties. The cattle herd averaged about 150,000 head. The ranch lasted until 1912 when the last cow was sold. Crops such as wheat and cotton made the property more valuable as farmland and the XIT ranch was sold off piece by piece for about $2.50 per acre. The State Capitol that stands today on an Austin hilltop opened on May 16, 1888, amid a week of celebration. The building, designed by Michigan architect Elijah E.

Myers, resembles the National Capitol, with a similar dome and separate wings for the state Senate and House. There is one notable exception to the similarities. The Texas Capitol is about 7 feet higher than the National Capitol. It is the tallest capitol in the United States today, rising 309 feet 8 inches from the basement floor to the top of the Goddess of Liberty statue. The distinctive pink granite used for the exterior walls wasn't the first choice of state officials or the building contractors. Originally, the plan called for decorative limestone walls to be erected on a base of granite stones brought from Granite Mountain near Burnet. But in March 1884, when the first load of native limestone arrived, building superintendent R. L. Walker rejected the entire 60 ton shipment. Walker found traces of iron pyrites, or fool's gold , in the limestone. When exposed to the atmosphere, iron pyrites rusted, streaked, and marred the light limestone. Since Governor John Ireland insisted that native building materials be used in the Capitol's construction, native pink granite was substituted for the limestone.

Residents of Austin were happy with the choice when they got their first look at the granite cornerstone during an unveiling on March 2, 1885. The massive granite statehouse was officially transferred to the citizens of Texas on December 8, 188. At the time, it was the largest state Capital Building in the nation. In 1989, Texas began a six year project to restore the Capitol to its original beauty. Costing $192 million, the statehouse was given an interior and exterior face lift for the first time. The land office and the oldest state office building were also restored, and a new 165,000 square foot underground building was built just north of the Capitol. THE STRONG ARM OF THE LAW After the Texas Revolution, bandits roamed the Mexican border, Native Americans controlled the Western Plains, and desperadoes hid out in the countryside. To stem the lawlessness, the Texas government turned to the Texas Rangers, a unique group of lawmen established by Stephen F Austin in 1826. Men such as "Big Foot " Wallace, John Coffee Hays, and Samuel H. Walker tracked down outlaws, settled feuds, and reconciled land disputes.

In 1846, Ranger Walker and Samuel Colt modified the Colt revolver into the Walker Colt, a six shooter specially adapted for the range. Ranger Jim R. Hughes wore a badge for 28 years between 1887 and 1915, but lived on in legend as the fictional hero in the novel The Lone Star Ranger, penned by Zane Grey. ranger Captain Bill McDonald earned a reputation as "the man who would charge hell with a bucket of water." In 1935, the Rangers became a branch of the Texas Department of Public Safety and today the organization still works for law and order in the state. sweetFrog Opens 21st Location in the Lone Star State sweetFrog Opens 21st Location in the Lone Star State Share Article Tyler store opens at corner of Crow Road and Old Jacksonville Highway sweetFrog is now open in Tyler. TX. We are really excited about giving back to our community and sharing the family fun and delicious treats hat make sweetFrog such a success story. Richmond, VA (PRWEB) August 04, 2016 sweetFrog Enterprises, LLC. is pleased to announce the opening of its Tyler, TX location.

sweetFrog offers a wide selection of premium frozen yogurt flavors, along with fresh topping choices within a self-serve model and was recently named Best Frozen Yogurt in the USA by The Daily Meal. This sweetFrog store, located at 2467 Crow Road, Tyler, TX 75703, opened its doors on June 24 and is the 21st store located in the Lone Star State. “I’ve lived and worked in East Texas for more than 20 years and love the natural beauty and friendly people,” said Brad Anderson, owner of the Tyler, Jacksonville and Palestine sweetFrog locations. “We are really excited about giving back to our community and sharing the family fun and delicious treats, that make sweetFrog such a success story, with the great community of Tyler.” About sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt: Sweet Frog ( ) is the fastest growing premium, all natural, self-serve frozen yogurt restaurant company in the country. Sweet Frog currently has 344 stores including both company-owned, franchise and independently licensed locations either open or under contract in twenty-four states in the U.S, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom and Egypt.

The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Richmond, Virginia. Sweet Frog prides itself on providing a family-friendly environment where customers can enjoy soft-serve frozen yogurt, gelato and sorbets with the toppings of their choice. The company was founded on Christian principles and seeks to bring happiness and a positive attitude into the lives of the communities it calls home. #### Lone Star State Bank Jobs, Employment | Indeed.com job title, keywords or company Tip: Enter your city or zip code in the "where" box to show results in your area. Lone Star State Bank jobs Filter results by: Physician / Physician Assistant / Texas / Permanent / Physic... Kurz Solutions - Austin, TX Current active unencumbered license from any state or territory of the United States. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest,... Texas, The Lone Star State: “Yo mama is so stupid, she tried to put M&M’s in alphabetical order” Wikipedia: Washer pitching Washer pitching is a physical game of skill that originated in the Southern United States. It is very similar to horseshoes. It is an especially popular pastime in the United States.

Washers is often referred to as “Texas Horseshoes” in parts of the United States. It is also referred to as Hot Tub Party in other areas of the country. Washer Pitching (aka Washers) Washer Boards can vary in size but a standard size for one-hole Washers is 20in. X 20in.. The one-hole version the boards can also come in a pentagon or octagon shape. Three-hole Washers (Original Washers) is rectangular in shape. The boards are placed approximately 21 ft away from each other. Generally underhand tactics are used to throw the washers. The person throwing can stand on, next to, or behind, but not in front of the box. Scoring is like horse shoes where the second team to go can wash-out/rebut any points that the first team may have scored and then add to their total. Games are normally played to 21 points. In Saint Louis, MO, the boxes are placed 25 feet away from each other and games are normally played to 15 points. In the Original Washers three hole version, the Washer boards are placed 10 feet apart.

In the Pennsylvania variant, there arw no boards, with the goal being to land the washers in or nearest to a short length of 2 PVC pipe embedded in the ground. Holes are 21 feet apart. One point is awarded for each washer nearer the whole than the opponent’s closest, 2 for “hangers” (washers protruding over the edge so that the bottom can be seen through the center), and 3 for “ringers.” In the “real” version of Washer Pitching, in Texas, there are no boards. The washers are 1-inch I.D., 2 1/2 inch O.D. The PVC cups are either 3-inch, 3 1/2-inch or 4-inch (3 is the preferred size) I.D., 21 feet apart. The washer “pits” (where the cups are buried) should be approximately 48 inches square and be comprised of a sandy or loamy soil. The game is played to 21 points. The closest washer to the cup is awarded 1 point. A “hanger” - any washer protruding over the edge of the inside of the cup - is awarded 3 points.

A “cupper” gets you 5 points. There are no “leaners” or “ringers,” those are Horsehoe pitching terms. If your opponent lands on your cupper, they cancel out, and the other washers are scored normally. A 3-2-1 scoring can be used to make the game longer. Team washer pitching is mighty entertaining, and double-elimination tournaments are big fun. The Original Washers Toss Game What exactly is the game Washers? If you like Bocce Ball, Lawn Darts, Bean-bag toss, Horseshoes, or just being outdoors, then you’ll absolutely love the Original Washers Toss Game Set! The game washers is sometimes called, “Texas Horseshoes” and it is becoming a huge hit across the country. It will not damage your yard! It can be played on grass, sand, carpet, wood, tarvia, inside or on cement. And the best part is, you can bring it anywhere. The preferred playing area is short to medium grass or sand. The Three Hole version that Original Washers sells exclusively always brings out the best in competition and a unqiue challenge.

You will meet so many new people with the curiosity that the Washers Game exciting attracts. Original Washers is perfect for parties, graduations, tailgating, concerts, family events, gatherings, picnics, traveling, camping, RVing, company events, bars, barbeques, or just a fun day out in the sun. Each game set is handcrafted with care by professionals in the United States. Official Washer Pitching Association Rules Washers is an outdoor game of skill, played by four contestants. The game field consists of two washer pits, each containing one recessed cup of 4 inches in diameter (101.6 mm) positioned a specific distance apart, toward which players throw washers to score points. The official distance, from cup centers, is 21 feet. Shorter or greater distances are occasionally used but are not certified for official competition. For a tournament to be official, 5 teams must be present. Each player throws four washers toward the opposite cup. Subsequent throwing order is based on who scored last with the scorer throwing first. In games with a standard pit, players may stand anywhere inside the pit when throwing.

In games without a framed pit area, players are allowed to stand no closer than one normal step in front of the cup. The starting contestant throws all four washers, one at a time, followed by the second player’s throws. Only one player may score per round. A washer inside the cup scores 5 points, leaning over the side is 3 points, and closest to the cup is 1 point. Scoring is done after all contestants have thrown. Should player #2 hit player #1’s washer, for example, and nudge it closer to the cup than his own, player #1 thanks player #2 and benefits. Should player #1 land a washer inside the cup and player #2 also land a washer inside the cup, player #2’s throw negates the cupper & no points are awarded for the cupper. In this example, points would then be awarded based on the remaining washers and their distance from the cup. (Distance from the cup is generally determined by visual observation but may require a measurement.

In the rare event that the two closest washers are equidistant from the cup, no points are awarded) Should player #1 score two cuppers and player #2 cap only one of them, 5 points would be awarded to player #1. A winning game is determined in several ways. Should one player or team reach 11 points before the opponent scores a single point, the game is called a skunk and the player or team with zero points is out of the competition. With two players or teams, and one reaching 11 points before the other scores, the game is finished. Should one player or team score 17 points while the opponent has scored only 1 point, the game is called a whitewash & the player or team with only 1 point is out of the competition. (A skunk & whitewash are not official tournament rules). When one player or team reaches 21 or more points before the opponent reaches 20 points, the game has gone full-term and the team or player with 21 or more points is declared the winner. Washer Pitching aka Texas, Polish, Hillbilly, or Redneck Horseshoes Regardless of what you call it, this game is FUN!

Not only can you play it at camp, but they are perfect to tuck into your van or bus take on away trips to keep your campers entertained! Texas Toss-Em Washer Toss (Texas Horseshoes) Outdoor Game Description: Texas Toss-Em (Texas Horseshoes) is an entertaining game of skill played by 2 or 4 players in a simalar way as the game of horseshoes. The game consists of 2 pits containing a tube. The object of the game is to score points by tossing the objects toward the pit. Points are awarded based on proximity to the tube and pit. The pits are placed 15 feet apart for the most skilled players and closer if the skill level warrants. The Quoit Pits Washers is a game also referred to as Holeyboard, Ringers, Texas Horseshoes, or Irish Quoits. I have no information on the origins of this game at all, but it seems to be popular in Midwestern and Northeastern states in the US. There are numerous variations of this game; the version pictured at left is popular in Pennsylvania.

The photo shows two different sets of boards, with each pair connected together with a string or small chain to set the proper pitching distance. Only one pair of boards is actually needed to play the game. Each box is made from 2x4 lumber for the sides and plywood for the top, and is 1 foot wide and 4 feet long. On the top surface of the box, three 4” diameter holes are cut into the top, 12” center to center. There is no bottom in the boxes. A chain is attached between the boxes and is exactly 10 feet long. Each player is given three large, 3-inch diameter washers, with each set of 3 painted a distinguishing color to tell them apart. Players take turns standing on the top of one of the boxes, at the front edge, and attempts to pitch the washers into one of the 3 holes in the other box. Each hole scores a different value - 1 point for the nearest hole, 3 points for the center hole, and 5 points for the rear-most hole. Leap Year Birthday Party (Anthony, TX) The weekend of March 1 and 2 will also be filled with fun events as part of the celebration.

They will include Hot Air Balloon lift offs and rides, and a chuck wagon breakfast, followed by various events and activities at the park including games, a chile cook-off, and may a “juacha” tournament (similar to horseshoes), entertainment, and other competitions. 22 November 1927, Appleton (WI) Post-Crescent, “Shields Suggests Indoor Games for Cold Winter Days,” pg. 13, col. 1: Winter and the long days when Appleton youngsters will be forced to find some form of indoor amusement has prompted Joseph Shields, high school athletic director and director of playground work during the summer, to offer several games which can be used to keep children busy at home or while they are attending parties at homes of friends. One game he has suggested is an outdoor contest called washers. It has found considerable favor in Evansville, Ind., where a city-wide tournament was held. Though primarily for outdoor use some manner of playing it indoors might easily be arranged. A recreation magazine of recent date has the following to say about it: “Eleven hundred boys and girls took part in the city-wide washer tournament held in Evansville, Indiana.

Since the holding of the tournament washer courts are to be seen not only in Evansville but in the neighboring towns and in rural sections. “In playing the game horseshoe rules are used. Washers one and three quarter inches in diameter are pitched fifteen feet to a hole two and one half inches in diameter. Tin cans of that dimension are often placed in the hole with the top level with the ground. “The game has many advantages. Washers are cheap, and the court occupies little space. The game has proved very popular with boys and girls.” 28 June 1930, Dallas (TX) Morning News, part 1, pg. 7: Tom Reagan was the star horseshoe pitcher, while the washer-pitching contest was won by Donald Terrell. 27 August 1931, Vidette-Messenger (Valparaiso, IN), pg. 4, col. 6: During the afternoon the members and friends enjoyed numerous games consisting of indoor baseball, volley ball, horseshoe pitching and washer games. 6 March 1932, Galveston (TX) Daily News, pg.

2, col.6: They are practicing washer tossing and boast that they cannot be defeated in this sport. 27 June 1943, Abilene (TX) Reporter-News, “Park Recreation Program Starts Here Monday,” pg. 1, col. 4: McKinzie, in announcing program plans Saturday, said special emphasis would be placed on intra-park tournaments during the week in such sports as horse-shoe and washer tossing, volleyball, croquet, tennis, ping pong and softball. 4 March 1955, Dallas (TX) Morning News, “It’s Washer-Pitching Season on SMU Campus,” part 3, pg. 13: The old rural sport of pitching washers has taken over in parts of the Southern Methodist University campus this spring. Idea is to pitch washers at a tin can buried in the earth. 29 February 1976, Amarillo (TX) News-Globe, pg. 12, col. 3: The Non-Bicentennial Commission, in turn, gave an award for an essay on what they consider to be a “truly American game,” washer tossing, which allegedly was started by American Indians.

24 August 1982, Richwood (OH) Gazette, pg. 6, col. 4: The fourth annual Hoskins Road Picnic was held Sunday, Aug. 15, with 54 neighbor-residents enjoying an evening of volleyball, horseshoes, tennis, and Texas horseshoes at Richwood Park. 2 March 1998, Frederick (MD) News, pg. B1 photo caption: Two members of the Senior High youth group at Graceham Moravian Church played Texas horseshoes well into their 30-hour fast which ended Saturday night. 11 August 2002, Plattsburgh (NY) Press Republican, “Washer-board research leads down strange paths” by Gordie Little: You can call it “washer board,” “washer pitching,” “washer tossing” “Texas horseshoes” or whatever your heart desires. Boiled down to its bare essentials, the popular game involves throwing metal washers into holes and scoring points. Kaye and I discovered it at Cole’s Creek some years back. Our neighbors were rather good at it and I was rather pathetic. So what else is new?

There will also be a talent show and Redneck Games (mutton bustin’, belly floppin’, wild hog catchin’, husband callin’ and Texas horseshoes, just to name a few events) on Sept. 13. (Trademark) Word Mark TEXAS HORSESHOES Goods and Services (ABANDONED) IC 028. US 022 023 038 050. G & S: Indoor/Outdoor board game - uses 3” washers vs conventional horseshoes, uses a board with three 4” holes to toss the washers into is vs tossing a conventional horseshoe at a stake in a pit Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 78288384 Filing Date August 17, 2003 Current Filing Basis 1B Original Filing Basis 1B Owner (APPLICANT) HEINZ, MICHAEL, EDWARD INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES 5 S.

323 GLENOBAN DRIVE NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS 60563 Type of Mark TRADEMARK Cancellation Date June 20, 1986 (Trademark) Word Mark LET’S PITCH WASHERS Goods and Services (CANCELLED) IC 028. US 022. G & S: Equipment Sold as a Unit for Playing a Pitching Game which Involves Tossing a Ring onto a Target within a Box. FIRST USE: 19790900. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19790900 Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 73269377 Filing Date July 8, 1980 Current Filing Basis 1A Published for Opposition April 12, 1983 Registration Number 1244661 Registration Date July 5, 1983 Owner (REGISTRANT) ENDE; FARRELL d.b.a.

Alpine Landscaping Company INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES 9013 FAIRLANE DRIVE BRIDGEVIEW ILLINOIS 60455 Attorney of Record CHARLES A. LAFF Disclaimer No claim is made to the exclusive right to use the word “Washers”, apart from the mark as shown. Type of Mark TRADEMARK Affidavit Text SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR). Live/Dead Indicator DEAD Cancellation Date April 10, 2004 (Trademark) Word Mark KENTUCKY WASHERS Goods and Services (CANCELLED) IC 028. US 022. G & S: BOARD AND STEEL WASHERS SOLD AS A UNIT FOR PLAYING A TOSS-TYPE GAME. FIRST USE: 19850304.

FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19850304 Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 73527171 Filing Date March 18, 1985 Current Filing Basis 1A Supplemental Register Date June 19, 1986 Registration Number 1411866 Registration Date September 30, 1986 Owner (REGISTRANT) HEADKREST, INC. CORPORATION KENTUCKY RT. 1, BOX 104A, INDIAN VALLEY RD. FALLS OF ROUGH KENTUCKY 40119 Attorney of Record MAURICE L. MILLER, JR. Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE “WASHERS” APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN Type of Mark TRADEMARK Cancellation Date April 5, 1993 (Trademark) Word Mark WASHERS Goods and Services IC 028. US 022. G & S: PITCHING OR TOSSING GAME. FIRST USE: 19870425.

FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19870425 Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 73763955 Filing Date November 16, 1988 Current Filing Basis 1A Supplemental Register Date June 6, 1989 Registration Number 1556339 Registration Date September 12, 1989 Owner (REGISTRANT) RAND COMPANY, THE CORPORATION MISSOURI 1405 NASHUA DR. FLORISSANT MISSOURI 63033 Attorney of Record JOHN F. NEWSHAM Type of Mark TRADEMARK Affidavit Text SECT 8 (6-YR). Live/Dead Indicator LIVE (Trademark) Word Mark WASHR’ TOSSR’ Goods and Services (CANCELLED) IC 028. US 022. G & S: indoor/outdoor tossing game using washers as scoring implements. FIRST USE: 19940621.

FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19940621 Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 74354249 Filing Date February 1, 1993 Current Filing Basis 1A Published for Opposition November 23, 1993 Registration Number 1868923 Registration Date December 20, 1994 Owner (REGISTRANT) Verronneau, Margaret E. DBA Stew Productions INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES P.O. Box 5809 New Bedford MASSACHUSETTS 02742 (REGISTRANT) Sbordone, Thomas D., Jr. DBA Stew Productions INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES P.O. Box 5809 New Bedford MASSACHUSETTS 02742 (REGISTRANT) O’Neil, Mark A. DBA Stew Productions INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES P.O. Box 5809 New Bedford MASSACHUSETTS 02742 (REGISTRANT) Verronneau, Mark R.

DBA Stew Productions INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES P.O. Box 5809 New Bedford MASSACHUSETTS 02742 Attorney of Record Robert F. O’Connell Type of Mark TRADEMARK Cancellation Date December 29, 2001 (Trademark) Word Mark ACE SPORTS WASHERS Goods and Services (CANCELLED) IC 028. US 022. G & S: game of pitching washers. FIRST USE: 19930101. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19930101 Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 74268227 Filing Date April 15, 1992 Current Filing Basis 1A Published for Opposition November 10, 1992 Registration Number 1828948 Registration Date March 29, 1994 Owner (REGISTRANT) ACE SPORTS & PRODUCTS CO. CORPORATION TEXAS 4 Louisiana Park Conroe TEXAS 77302 Attorney of Record James H.

Riley II Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE “WASHERS” APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN Type of Mark TRADEMARK Cancellation Date April 28, 2001 (Trademark) Word Mark OL’ TIME WASHERS Goods and Services (CANCELLED) IC 028. US 022. G & S: equipment sold as a unit for playing a toss type game. FIRST USE: 19930701. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19930731 Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 74416508 Filing Date July 26, 1993 Current Filing Basis 1A Published for Opposition January 18, 1994 Registration Number 1874763 Registration Date January 17, 1995 Owner (REGISTRANT) Earnst, William H. DBA Heritage Sports INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES P.O. Box 90847 Houston TEXAS 77290 Attorney of Record John S.

Egbert Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE “WASHERS” APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN Type of Mark TRADEMARK Cancellation Date January 26, 2002 (Trademark) Word Mark ARMADILLO WASHERS Goods and Services (CANCELLED) IC 028. US 022 023 038 050. G & S: outdoor pitching game consisting of washers and pipes. FIRST USE: 19950702. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19950702 Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 74664089 Filing Date April 21, 1995 Current Filing Basis 1A Published for Opposition December 5, 1995 Registration Number 2027800 Registration Date December 31, 1996 Owner (REGISTRANT) Dillo, Inc.

CORPORATION TEXAS 2512 KNOPP SCHOOL RD FREDERICKSBURG TEXAS 78624 Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE “WASHER” APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN Type of Mark TRADEMARK Affidavit Text SECT 8 (6-YR). Live/Dead Indicator DEAD Cancellation Date October 6, 2007 (Trademark) Word Mark PITCHIN’ WASHERS Goods and Services (ABANDONED) IC 028. US 022 023 038 050. G & S: equipment sold as a unit for playing a ring tossing game Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 75277480 Filing Date April 18, 1997 Current Filing Basis 1B Original Filing Basis 1B Owner (APPLICANT) Outdoor Game Company, The CORPORATION MISSOURI 11570 Rock Island Court St.

Louis MISSOURI 630433522 Attorney of Record EDWARD A BOESCHENSTEIN Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE “WASHERS” APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN Type of Mark TRADEMARK

Question: Which state of the USA calls itself the "Lone Star State"?
Answer: Texas