From the beginning of European colonization of North America, six different nations that have governed Texas. Spain flew their flag from the 16th century until 1821; at the same time France had short lived-colony from 1685 to 1690. When Mexico broke away from Spain, the Mexican flag flew over Texas; but soon after, the Republic of Texas, with their own flag, declared their own independence from Mexico. That flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes, which, but for a brief while when the Confederate flag flew over the capital, was the flag thereafter.

On this day, August 1, in 1961 Angus G. Wynne of Arlington, Texas, opened his local answer to Disneyland: a theme park to give the children a fun way to learn a little about the history of the state. Early attraction included a gondola ride and a mock Indian village.

Wynne found willing financiers in New York, and construction of the park began in 1959. Wynne always knew what he would name it, with just one small change: originally he planned to call it “Texas under six flags,” but his wife corrected him: “Texas ain’t under nothing.”