KNOW IT ALL.(MAIN)

Q From time to time I see the phrase ``six flags over Texas.'' What are the six flags?

A: From 1519 to the present day, six different flags have flown over at least a part of the second-largest state in the United States. From 1519 to 1685, it was a Spanish flag. In 1685, and for the next five years, the flag was French. The Spanish flag flew again from 1690 until 1821, when it was replaced by the Mexican flag -- the third one. From 1836 to 1845, the flag was that of the Republic of Texas. In 1845, when Texas became part of the United States, the state flew the American flag. Then, from 1861 to 1865, the sixth flag was the Stars and Bars of the Confederacy. Finally, …