Texas Independence Day in United States

Texas Independence Day United States

What is Texas Independence Day? 

Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico was adopted on March 2, 1836. That day is recognized as Texas Independence Day. 

It was the day the Republic of Texas was established, and independence from Mexico was formally proclaimed.

Sam Houston and 59 other delegates signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Its text is similar to the American Declaration of Independence: 1776 in many aspects.

Texas Independence Day - All Quick Overview

  • Time / Date: March 2
  • Category: Federal
  • Where It’s Marked: The United States of America
  • Why It’s Marked: On the day the Texas Declaration of Independence was officially signed. 

History of Texas Independence Day

If you are a history geek, grab your seat tight because we will tell you the story of how a Lone Star State was born! The story of the independence of Texas is quite mesmerizing. It goes way back in time and is packed with wars and diplomacy.

Early in the 16th century, Spanish explorers charted the Texas coastline and ostensibly claimed the territory for Spain, although they left the area uninhabited. France seized control of the room. As a result, Spain's interest in the region was rekindled, and France lost its claim to the territory.

Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821 and claimed Texas as part of its territory. The colonists who identified as Texians rather than Mexicans felt even more hostility when, in 1824, a new Mexican constitution merged Texas with Mexico to create the province of Texas.

The Texans' desire to become a distinct province of Mexico was one of the adjustments that the Texans desired in 1833. After years of unrest in Texas, the Texas Revolution was finally launched in 1835. It was immediately after the Texans triumphed at the Battle of Gonzales in October of that year.

By December 1835, San Antonio was ruled by the Texans and the Tejanos. General Antonio López de Santa Anna's Mexican forces entered San Antonio the following year to claim the city. Despite Sam Houston's order for Texans to evacuate San Antonio, a band of insurrectionists decided to defend the town and made their camp at the Mission. 

On March 6, Santa Anna commanded his soldiers to attack the Alamo. A massive Texan army under the command of Houston ambushed Santa Anna's men six weeks later. Numerous Santa Anna soldiers were killed during the Alamo's siege and storming. The Battle of San Jacinto marked the freedom of the Republic of Texas on April 21, 1836.  

United States Congress of the United States annexed the Republic of Texas.  

Then it recognized Texas as a union member in writing on December 29, 1845. Afterward, Texas became the official 28th state in the United States of America.

How to Celebrate Texas Independence Day

The day is a state holiday. Texas Independence Day events occur in numerous towns and communities across the state. 

The proud Texans celebrate the day with the utmost festivity. Some of the activities include;

  • Historic re-enactment
  • Flag hosting ceremony
  • Chilli cook-offs
  • Bourbon & Barbecue
  • Live music events
  • Kid's Activities
  • Traveling across Texas
  • Visiting friends and family

Sessions of story-telling on how Texas conquered Mexico and established itself as a republic during the 19th century are among the other activities.

Texas Independence Day is a partial staffing day, so some state government employees may decide to take the day off. The offices won't be closed the following day if the holidays fall on weekends. 

Countries that Observe Texas Independence Day

Texas Independence Day is celebrated across the USA with fervor and festivity. It is a state holiday in Texas, as the holiday is significant to Texans. 

Interesting Facts About Texas Independence Day

Here are some interesting facts about Texas Independence Day that will blow your mind!

  • Have you ever wondered how big Texas is? In fact, after Alaska, Texas is the second-largest state in area and population after California in the US!
  • If Texas were still a sovereign nation, it would rank as the 40th largest nation in the world!
  • The present-day state of Texas has historically been governed in whole or in part by six different countries.
  • Nothing more effectively captures the spirit of Texas than a single five-pointed star. On January 25, 1839, the Texas Congress formally adopted the current lone star flag. In other words, on that day, a star is born!
  • On March 2, people also honor Texas Flag Day and Sam Houston Day. On March 2, Houston was born.
  • Texas has an entirely separate electricity grid from the rest of the United States!
  • Birthplace of Dr. Pepper in Waco, Texas, in 1885! 
  • A missed class, a trip to Scholz Beer Garden, and a spiked cannon marked the University of Texas campus's celebration of it in the spring of 1896!

Unique Texas Independence Day Celebration Ideas

Being a state holiday, Texas Independence Day makes it the best option for people to have some fun and celebrate the independence of their loving state. As the holiday does not have any traditions to follow, go wild with your Texan roots and add awesome ideas to your to-do list!

1. Learn Symbols the Fun Way!

 Learn about the Texas State Symbols with the children in your family in a fun way. Draw the symbols together and have a good quality time together. 

You can also use your symbol encyclopedia and amaze them with facts like the symbol tree of Texas is the Prickly Pear Cactus, or the Texas Longhorn is the official mammal state symbol!

2. Host a Backyard Barbecue!

Do you know the most Texan thing to do on Texas Independence Day? 

You're right, Barbecue!

Take inspiration from the texas size bbq party in the backyard and host your party! 

3. Read History Aloud!

This Texas Independence Day, read the history of Texas to your friends and family and live through the spirit of independence of your favorite state.

Texas Independence Day Quotes

Celebrating Texas Independence Day is no fun without wishing your friends and family, posting updates on social media, and looking for wishes and captions. Let us help you with some relevant quotes!

 “I must say as to what I have seen of Texas it is the garden spot of the world. The best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is a fortune to any man to come here. There is a world of country here to settle.” Davy Crockett, Alamo defender, 1836.

“Everything in Texas is the best!”

"If a man's from Texas, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him by asking?" - John Gunther

FAQ

1. Does Texas have its independence day?

Yes. Texas Independence Day honors the passage of the state's proclamation of independence.

2. How do the Texans say hello?

The official Texas greeting is "Howdy.”

3. When is National Texas Day?

Every year, on February 1, a unique holiday commemorates Texas. It honors the state's succession, which was announced on February 1, 1861.

Texas Independence Day Observances

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday Type
2023Thu02 MarTexas Independence Day Non Public
2024Sat02 MarTexas Independence Day Non Public
2025Sun02 MarTexas Independence Day Non Public
2026Mon02 MarTexas Independence Day Non Public
2027Tue02 MarTexas Independence Day Non Public

We constantly update the dates of holidays that keep changing every year. However, while we revise and change some dates to be accurate, if you find any errors, kindly inform us . That will mean a lot to us.