History of San Antonio

City Flag

The City of San Antonio’s official flag was designed in 1935 by William Herring, deputy commander of the Texas Department of United War Veterans. Herring designed the flag for the national convention of the United Spanish War Veterans being held in San Antonio that year.

The original design featured the Alamo superimposed in the center of a white Lone Star of Texas. The Lone Star shined from a field of one-half blue, representing loyalty, and one-half crimson red, which represents the blood that courses through the veins of every loyal Texan. Originally, the words “San Antonio” and “Texas” were printed across the top and bottom of the flag.

City commissioners unofficially adopted the flag in 1935 and two copies were made, one for City Hall and the other for the Chamber of Commerce. However, no action was taken to formally adopt the flag’s design until 1976. In 1992, the City was informed that it was no longer acceptable to have words on a flag.

City Seal

The City of San Antonio seal was designed in 1925 by Johannes C. Scholze, a resident of San Antonio. Scholze created a wood carving that includes an Alamo at the top, the Lone Star of Texas, and the words “Libertatis Cunabula” which is Latin for “Cradle of Liberty.”

The emblem was designated as the City’s Official Seal in 1981 to be used to identify the City on all official documents and papers.

The original wood carving of the City Seal designed by Johannes C. Scholze is currently on display at the Municipal Archives Exhibit located at:

Municipal Archives Exhibit
100 W. Houston St., Concourse
San Antonio, TX 78205
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