This photo was taken at a visitor welcome center in Texas.  The six flags shown represent the six countries (or governments) that have had jurisdiction over Texas during its rather colorful history.

They are: Spain, France, Mexico, The Republic of Texas, The Confederate States of America, and The United States of America.

Texas is the only state in the Union that was an independent republic before it became a state.  The original theme park in Dallas was called Six Flags Over Texas, for (now) obvious reasons.  The next one was (I think) Six Flags Over Georgia -though the name doesn't have the same historical significance there.  Now, they are simply named Six Flags "Something" (like Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles).

So, there's your history lesson for the day.

For more detailed information, go to Lone Star Junction.