Chile vs. Texas Flag: Why They Are Nearly Identical

Have you ever noticed how similar the Texas and Chile flags look? These ensigns look very much alike.

In fact, many Texans accidentally fly the flag of Chile. One famous example was the Atascosa County election ballets which went viral for featuring the Chilean flag instead of the Lone Star flag. The mistake is so common that Texas lawmaker Tom Oliverson filed a resolution urging Texans to stop using the Chilean flag emoji.

When you compare the flags side by side, it’s easy to see why they’d be mixed up. They both feature a white star on a blue field and a red and white stripe. The biggest difference between the two is that the blue square on the flag of Texas is larger, taking up an entire side.

Although the Chilean flag is 22 years older than the Lone Star state’s, the design similarities are completely coincidental. The Texas flag did not copy the Chile flag, it simply reflects the popular revolutionary styles of the time.

While the state flag of Texas and the Chilean flag look the same, there are distinct differences. Some people even claim that Texas stole the design from Chile. No matter what you’ve read or heard, one thing’s clear: both flags highlight a rich history that made the state and nation the places they are today. In this article, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences of each flag and the events that shaped their distinctive appearances.

Whether you’re a proud Chilean or Texan, AmericanFlags.com sells high-quality flags you can feel proud flying. Shop our outdoor Texas flags and Chilean flags today!

Texas Flag vs. Chile Flag: How Their Designs Differ

While the flag of the state of Texas and the Chilean country flags look alike, there are distinct differences in their designs. On the Texas flag, the blue field is a vertical rectangle taking up the entire left side of the flag. A single star is in the middle, and red and white horizontal stripes fill the remaining space.

The Chilean flag, on the other hand, features a smaller, square-shaped blue field with a larger star in the lefthand corner. While the red and white stripes are the same size on the Texas flag on Chile’s flag, the red field is much longer.

La Estrella Solitaria: Chile’s Flag

The name of the Republic of Chile’s national flag is La Estrella Solitaria, which interestingly translates to “The Lone Star.” The history and origins of the Chilean flag date back to the 19th century and Chile’s first steps toward independence from Spain. It symbolizes liberty and self-determination with colors tying into native Chilean Araucanian Indian warriors.

The blue, white, and red represent freedom and liberty, similar to the U.S. flag. The star is the “guide on the path of progress and honor,” while the blue symbolizes the sky. The white stripe represents the snow atop the Andes mountains, and the red serves as a reminder of the blood shed for the fatherland.

After Chilean Independence: Notable Events

Chile’s fight for independence again Spain wasn’t an easy one. Before formally declaring independence on February 12, 1818, Chilean patriots fought a long war against Spain that started with the establishment of a government junta in 1810. Although the junta was initially loyal to the Spanish crown, it eventually aligned with the independence movement. This switch sparked a war between Spanish loyalist forces.

After gaining independence, Chile experienced two civil wars over political control, one from 1829 to 1859 and another in 1891. In the 20th century, Chile saw significant political shifts, ending in 1973 with a military coup by General Augusto Pinochet. His 17-year rule was marked by strict anti-communist policies, political repression, and human rights violations. Although he faced multiple criminal charges, Pinochet remained a controversial figure until his death in 2006.

In 1990, Chile returned to democracy. Since then, it’s been a stable nation with free elections. In 2021, President Gabriel Boric was elected, becoming the country’s youngest leader. Throughout its tumultuous history, La Estrella Solitaria remains the same. It stands as a steadfast symbol of Chile’s resilience and identity.

Texas Flag: A Symbol with a Story

In the early 19th century was a part of Mexico. As tensions grew with the Mexican government over land rights, trade restrictions, and centralization of power, American settlers began to fight back. On March 2, 1836, Texas declared independence, sparking the Texas Revolution.

During the war, one of the most famous moments in history, the Battle of the Alamo, took place. Texan defenders bravely fought Mexican soldiers but were eventually overwhelmed. Their sacrifice inspired the battle cry, “Remember the Alamo,” which would only strengthen Texas’ resolve.

On April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto, Texas secured its independence. General Sam Houston’s forces defeated and captured Mexican president Santa Anna, ending the war.

Although Mexico refused to recognize Texas as a sovereign nation, the U.S. did. In 1837, after almost a decade as the independent Republic of Texas, it was annexed by the United States. On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th U.S. state, which led to the Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848.

Texas After Annexation and Beyond

After three years of independence from Mexico, Texas adopted its first official flag on January 25, 1839, named the Lone Star Flag. It featured a blue field and white star symbolizing unity and independence and a red stripe representing bravery and purity. The Texas flag design has always stood as a symbol of Texan pride, resiliency, and determination. Even after joining the U.S., civil war, and political shifts, the Lone Star Flag remains a powerful emblem of Texas’s identity.

Chile or Texas? Get Your Flags from AmericanFlags.com Today

Whether you’re honoring Texas state or city flag or celebrating your Chilean roots with Chilean flag, AmericanFlags.com has a flag you can hoist with pride. While they may look similar, these distinctive flags each have a unique story, history, and identity. Shop our extensive selection today!