Six Flags Over Texas, which opened in 1961, was named for the “Six Flags of Texas” – a display of flags representing the six countries whose flag has flown over the state.

The name "Six Flags Over Texas" refers to the six different nations that have held sovereignty over the territory of Texas throughout its history. When real estate developer Angus G. Wynne, Jr. opened the original park in Arlington in 1961, he wanted to create a theme park that celebrated the rich and turbulent history of the state. The "six flags" represent Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America, and the Confederate States of America. Originally, the park was divided into six themed sections, each reflecting the culture and architecture of one of these periods. Over the decades, the park has modernized and moved away from historical reenactments, but the name remains as a cultural landmark. In recent years, particularly in 2017, the park opted to stop flying the individual historic flags (including the controversial Confederate flag) at the main entrance, replacing them with six identical American flags to focus on national unity, though the iconic name and the historical sections of the park continue to serve as a nod to its Texas-centric origins.