The original concept for the Lone Star Monument and Historical Flag Park can be credited to bronze sculptor Craig Campobella. As Craig describes it, creating the historical flag park would provide a unique opportunity for the citizens of Montgomery County to open an inspirational gateway to the cities of Conroe and Montgomery welcoming tourists and locals with a world renowned symbol of freedom and pride.

During the summer of 2005 while driving on Interstate 45 from The Woodlands to Conroe, Craig passed over Hwy 105 and envisioned a monument celebrating the Lone Star flag on the southeast corner of the Hwy 105 exit. A lifelong Texas history buff, Craig began doing in-depth research concerning the Lone Star flag and its diverse history. He was quickly surprised at the things he did not know about Texas' flag history, namely ALL the colorful and historically important STATE (not national) flags that flew over Texas. Thinking that others might likewise be unaware of this history he had the idea of not only a life size monument but a display of the flags that flew over Texas during it's revolutionary struggles and infancy as a sovereign nation.

In April 2006, Craig realized the concept had actual potential for success following a favorable and supportive discussion with city councilman J. Ross Martin. In September of 2006, Craig was encouraged to create two representations in clay, one of a monument for the park and the other a model of the park itself, to present to the Conroe City Council. It took three months to finish the two projects. The 2006 holiday season and other outside factors shelved the presentation for months.

In March of 2007, as Craig was having a casual conversation with the President of the Friends Of Conroe, Bruce Henry, interest in the project again began to flourish. Mr. Henry immediately saw the vision as something unique and having long term benefits to the people of Montgomery County. He invited Craig to present the concept at the next monthly meeting of The Friends Of Conroe.

Craig presented the clay models before the Friends Of Conroe on April 16, 2007. By unanimous vote, the project was endorsed. President Bruce Henry asked if any of the members would like to form a sub-committee to help bring the project to fruition. Friends Of Conroe members Russell Miller, Leo Hewitt, and Debbie Glenn volunteered to help. Within 48 hours Debbie Glenn reported that $7000.00 had been raised for the project. Russell Miller, owner and founder of Fairweather Group, solely funded the process of turning the table size clay monument representation, known as a maquette, of the Texian revolutionary soldier holding the Lone Star flag into a real bronze. The clay maquette was delivered to the foundry that very month and was ready in bronze by early August 2007. It sat in the front lobby of Conroe City Hall throughout the month of August and September 2007.

Interest and support continues to grow for this unique project. The original idea was to put the unique park on the southeast corner of I-45 and 105. That idea came to a halt when TXDOT acquired the land for the widening of I-45. Many people are working to find the perfect location for this worthwhile endeavor.

To date many people have volunteered to provide in-kind services, financial support, expertise, and knowledge to see the project become a reality. If you would like to be apart of this world class effort feel free to contact us with how you would be willing to participate.