Lone Star Flag Park celebrates Texas history

This weekend marks the first anniversary of one of Conroe’s most interesting, educational and highly visible park facilities.

Hundreds of area residents gathered when the Lone Star Monument & Historical Flag Park was officially dedicated April 21, 2011. The park, located adjacent to the Central Library and visible to traffic on Interstate 45, is a highlight of the community.

The 3.5-acre park features 13 flags atop 35-foot-tall flagpoles featuring the various flags flown over Texas during its history – including the popular Lone Star flag adopted when the state operated as a sovereign nation, the Republic of Texas, from 1836-45.

At the center of the park is a 14-foot-tall bronze statue, The Texian, sculpted by Craig Campobella, an award-winning local artist. The Texian is representative of the civilian soldiers who fought and ultimately won independence for Texas as the Texas Revolutionary army.

Also on display at the park is a bust of Dr. Charles B. Stewart, designer of the iconic Lone Star flag when he was a resident of Montgomery – a dozen miles or so west of Conroe.

The park also has a walk path and educational plaques on each flag depicting the history and significance each flag holds in the founding of Texas.

While services and amenities in the park area are limited, the Lone Star Monument & Historical Flag Park is located immediately adjacent to the Montgomery County Central Library, located at 104 Interstate 45 N.

To encourage public awareness of the city’s 26 parks, the Conroe Parks & Recreation Department is promoting them to the public with the Passport to Parks & Recreation – a contest for area residents and visitors who visit all of the municipal parks by June 29. Visitwww.cityofconroe.org for more information.