Texas, from Flags of the States and Territories (N11) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This small card, part of Allen & Ginter's series for cigarette brands, presents the symbols of Texas. Foremost is the state flag, emblazoned with a central lone star. The star, a powerful and ancient symbol, has represented guidance and destiny across cultures. Consider how the star motif appears throughout history—from the goddess Ishtar's star of Venus to the Star of Bethlehem. The five-pointed star, specifically, often signals earthly power, a concept reaching back to ancient Mesopotamian royal seals. Here, in the context of Texas, the lone star represents the state’s independence and unique identity. The inclusion of the steer speaks to the cattle industry, integral to the Texan economy. The steer embodies a raw, untamed force, reflecting the rugged spirit of the land and its people. It evokes a collective memory of taming the frontier, a psychological landscape deeply embedded in the American psyche. As symbols these images continue to evolve, carrying echoes of the past into our present.