Heritage Museum: Texas Flag & Montgomery's Early History

CONROE, Texas — A window into the origins of the Lone Star State is currently on display at The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, where a dedicated exhibit explores the town of Montgomery’s unique status as the "Birthplace of the Texas Flag."

Housed within the historic 1937 Conroe High School building at Candy Cane Park, the museum invites residents and history enthusiasts to examine the foundational moments that shaped early Texas. Central to the exhibit is the legacy of Dr. Charles B. Stewart, a prominent early resident and the man credited with designing the iconic Texas flag in 1838.

The exhibit features a detailed replica of Dr. Stewart’s original design, supported by a collection of antique maps, archival photographs, and historical documents. The display chronicles the timeline that led to the Texas Historical Commission’s 2009 official recognition of Montgomery’s role in the state's vexillological history. This recognition was the culmination of years of local advocacy, rooted in the 1936 commissioning of a flag replica by the Charles B. Stewart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for the dedication of a monument in the town of Montgomery.

Dr. Stewart, who lived in the area with his wife, Martha, was much more than a flag designer; he was a pivotal figure in the political development of the region.

"This exhibit allows visitors to see beyond the flag and understand the sheer ambition of the settlers who arrived in this region," said a spokesperson for the museum. "Montgomery wasn't just a settlement; it was a hub of early Texas governance and religious life."

The exhibit provides a comprehensive look at the town’s establishment following the formal creation of Montgomery County on December 14, 1837. Founders W.W. Shepperd and John Wyatt Moody purchased the land that same year, transforming what was known as the Lake Creek Settlement into a bustling administrative center.

The museum’s narrative highlights how quickly institutional roots were planted in the region. Visitors can trace the history of the Montgomery Presbyterian Church, founded in 1837 and noted as the oldest continuously operating Presbyterian church in Texas, as well as the Cedar Brake (Methodist) Church, established in 1838 as the state’s oldest Methodist congregation. Additionally, the town served as the inaugural home of the first Masonic Lodge in Texas in 1837 and functioned as the county seat until 1889.

The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County serves as an essential resource for preserving the cultural heritage of the area. Beyond the flag exhibit, the museum offers a deeper understanding of the local geography and the pioneers who helped establish the socio-political framework of the state.

The museum is located at 1506 I-45 North in Conroe, inside the historic 1937 high school building at Candy Cane Park. It is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, from 9 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed to support the preservation of local history.

For those interested in learning more about the exhibit or the museum’s extensive archives, contact the staff at 936-539-6873 or visit their website at heritagemuseum.us. Educational groups and individuals are encouraged to call ahead for information on guided tours and specific historical programming.