10/22/2026
One of the most fascinating stories is that the first American flag raised over Texas territory is said to have been raised on St. Joseph Island on July 26, 1845, by U.S. troops. A small settlement called Aransas later developed on the island but was destroyed during the Civil War. 
The island later became associated with oilman Sid Richardson and the Bass family. Today, it remains privately owned and is managed primarily for wildlife.