Shannon Stirnweis (Arizona, New York, New Hampshire Oregon, B. 1931) "Republic of Texas" Signed middle right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Republic of Texas stamp issued March 2, 1986. A land of long horizons, deep-cut canyons and coastal flats, Texas is second only to Alaska in size -- blanketing an area more than 220 times greater than Rhode Island. The history of this southwestern state is every bit as rich and varied as her landscape. Indeed, Old Spanish missions, rambling ranches, and oil fields hint at the fascinating story of Texas. Texas was ruled by Spain from 1519 to 1821, except for a brief five-year French dominion. When Mexico broke away from Spain in 1821, the Texas territory became part of the new Empire of Mexico. Despite Mexico's claims to the land, American settlers continued to pour into Texas, staking claims and setting up homesteads. Alarmed by the increasing number of settlers, Mexico halted American immigration to the territory. Relations between the two countries grew steadily worse, and in 1835, American colonists revolted against Mexico. After a bitter year-long struggle, Texans finally declared their independence from Mexico. Ten years later, the Republic of Texas joined the constellation of the Union as the twenty-eighth state on December 29, 1845. Today, Texas is one of the country's leading producers of cattle, natural gas and oil. In addition, Texas is a leader in high technology, and can boast of the Johnson Space Center -- the nation's headquarters for all manned space travel. Image Size: 13.25 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 18.25 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B10143)