Texas Independence Day 2024

Dive deep into the historical tapestry of Texas Independence Day. Explore untold tales, pivotal moments, and the spirit that shaped the Lone Star State.

Read also:

• Latest Events and Festivals

QUICK FACTS

• Date: March 2nd
• Main Components: Commemoration of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836
• Popularity: A legal state holiday in Texas, observed by various events and activities
• Pairings: Texas Flag Day and Sam Houston Day
• Variations: None

Introduction

• Texas Independence Day is a state holiday in Texas, the Lone Star State, on March 2. It commemorates the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, which declared Texas’ independence from Mexico. It is a day to celebrate the history, culture, and people of Texas.
• Texas Independence Day is also known as Texas Flag Day and Sam Houston Day, although these are special observances rather than legal holidays. Texas Flag Day honors the state flag, which features a single white star on a blue field, and two horizontal stripes of white and red. Sam Houston Day honors the first president of the Republic of Texas, who led the Texan army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive event of the Texas Revolution.
• On Texas Independence Day, various events and activities are held across the state, such as parades, reenactments, festivals, concerts, speeches, and ceremonies. Some of the most notable locations for these celebrations are Washington-on-the-Brazos, where the declaration was signed, the Alamo, where the Texan defenders made their last stand, and San Jacinto, where the Texan army won its independence. Many Texans also display the state flag, wear patriotic clothing, and enjoy traditional foods and drinks, such as barbecue, chili, and beer.

Related: Mărțișor Day In Moldova 2023

Background

• Texas was originally part of the Spanish empire, and later became part of Mexico after the Mexican War of Independence in 1821. In the early 1800s, many Anglo-American settlers, known as empresarios, moved to Texas under empresario contracts with the Mexican government, which granted them land rights in exchange for colonizing and developing the area. One of the most famous empresarios was Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas, who brought over 300 families, known as the Old Three Hundred, to settle along the Brazos River.
• The settlers, known as Texans or Texians, had a strong affinity with the United States, and often clashed with the Mexican authorities over issues such as taxation, slavery, immigration, and religion. In 1835, the Mexican president and dictator, Antonio López de Santa Anna, abolished the Constitution of 1824, which had granted some autonomy to the Mexican states, including Coahuila y Tejas, the state that encompassed Texas. This sparked a revolution among the Texans, who wanted to restore the constitution and defend their rights.

The Texas Revolution

• The Texas Revolution lasted from October 1835 to April 1836, and involved several battles and events that shaped the fate of Texas. Some of the most notable ones are:

The Battle of Gonzales

• The first skirmish of the revolution, which took place on October 2, 1835, near the town of Gonzales. The Mexican army tried to reclaim a cannon that they had lent to the Texans for protection against Native American raids, but the Texans refused to surrender it, and flew a flag that said “Come and Take It”. The Texans fired the cannon at the Mexican soldiers, and drove them away, in what is considered the first shot of the revolution.

The Siege of Bexar

• A prolonged siege of the Mexican garrison at San Antonio de Bexar, which lasted from October 12 to December 9, 1835. The Texans, led by Stephen F. Austin and later by Edward Burleson, surrounded the town and engaged in sporadic fighting with the Mexican troops, commanded by Martín Perfecto de Cos, Santa Anna’s brother-in-law. The siege ended with the surrender of Cos and his men, and the Texans took control of the town and the Alamo, a former mission and fortress.

The Consultation of 1835

• A convention of Texan leaders and representatives, which met at San Felipe de Austin from November 3 to November 14, 1835. The convention debated whether to declare independence from Mexico, or to support the federalist cause of restoring the Constitution of 1824. The convention adopted a declaration of causes, which stated the grievances of the Texans against the Mexican government, and a provisional constitution, which established a temporary government for Texas. The convention also appointed Sam Houston as the commander in chief of the Texan army, and Henry Smith as the governor of Texas.

The Alamo

• The most famous and tragic event of the revolution, which took place from February 23 to March 6, 1836, at the Alamo in San Antonio. A small group of about 200 Texan defenders, led by William B. Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett, held out against a much larger Mexican force of about 1,800 soldiers, led by Santa Anna himself. The siege lasted for 13 days, and ended with a massacre of the Texans, who fought bravely to the last man. The Alamo became a symbol of heroism and sacrifice for the Texan cause, and inspired the battle cry “Remember the Alamo!”.

Related: Jamahiriya Day In Libya 2023

The Goliad Massacre

• Another tragic event of the revolution, which took place on March 27, 1836, near the town of Goliad. About 400 Texan prisoners of war, who had surrendered at the Battle of Coleto a few days earlier, were executed by order of Santa Anna, despite the pleas of his officers and the terms of their surrender. The massacre outraged the Texans and the Americans, and fueled the desire for vengeance against the Mexican army.

The Declaration of Independence

• The formal document that proclaimed the separation of Texas from Mexico, and the establishment of the Republic of Texas. The declaration was drafted by a committee of five men, chaired by George C. Childress, and was modeled after the United States Declaration of Independence. The declaration was signed by 59 delegates from different settlements in Texas, who met at Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 2, 1836, the same day that the Alamo fell. The declaration listed the reasons for the Texan revolt, and asserted the rights and principles of the new republic.

The Battle of San Jacinto

• The decisive victory of the Texan army over the Mexican army, which took place on April 21, 1836, near the San Jacinto River. The Texan army, led by Sam Houston, surprised and attacked the Mexican army, led by Santa Anna, who had become overconfident and careless after his previous successes. The battle lasted for about 18 minutes, and resulted in the capture of Santa Anna, and the killing or wounding of about half of his 1,500 men. The Texans suffered only nine deaths and 30 wounded out of about 900 men. The battle secured the independence of Texas, and forced Santa Anna to sign the Treaties of Velasco, which recognized Texas as a sovereign nation.

The Republic of Texas

• The independent country that existed from 1836 to 1845, after the Texas Revolution. The republic had a presidential system of government, with a constitution that was similar to that of the United States. The first president of the republic was Sam Houston, who served two non-consecutive terms, from 1836 to 1838, and from 1841 to 1844. The second president was Mirabeau B. Lamar, who served from 1838 to 1841, and was known as the Father of Texas Education for his efforts to establish a public school system. The third and last president was Anson Jones, who served from 1844 to 1845, and oversaw the annexation of Texas by the United States. The republic faced many challenges and conflicts, such as border disputes with Mexico, diplomatic relations with other countries, financial difficulties, Indian wars, and internal divisions.

TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY WISHES, QUOTES, AND MESSAGES

TOP 20 TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY WISHES AND GREETINGS

Here are 20 unique Texas Independence Day  wishes and greetings:

1. “Happy Texas Independence Day! May the Lone Star State shine brightly, and may the spirit of freedom and pride continue to flourish.”
2. “Wishing all Texans a Happy Independence Day! May the spirit of courage and independence that defines our great state continue to inspire us all.”
3. “On Texas Independence Day, let’s celebrate the resilience and strength that make Texas unique. Here’s to the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
4. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! May the pride of being a Texan fill your heart, and may the Lone Star always guide us towards a brighter future.”
5. “Cheers to the Lone Star State! Happy Texas Independence Day! May the spirit of liberty and freedom continue to define our great state.”
6. “Wishing all Texans a Happy Independence Day! May the legacy of our forefathers and the spirit of independence be a guiding light for generations to come.”
7. “On this Texas Independence Day, let’s celebrate the rich history and the bold spirit that make Texas truly exceptional. Happy Independence Day, y’all!”
8. “Happy Texas Independence Day! May the pride of being a Texan resonate in your heart, and may our state continue to prosper and thrive.”
9. “Wishing you a joyous Texas Independence Day! May the Lone Star always shine bright, symbolizing the enduring spirit of freedom and independence.”
10. “Cheers to the Lone Star State and the brave souls who paved the way for our independence. Happy Texas Independence Day! God bless Texas!”
11. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! May the echoes of freedom from our past inspire us to build an even brighter and more prosperous future.”
12. “On Texas Independence Day, let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit that make Texas truly special. Happy Independence Day to all proud Texans!”
13. “Wishing you a Happy Texas Independence Day filled with pride, joy, and a deep appreciation for the rich history that has shaped our great state.”
14. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! May the spirit of unity and freedom continue to bind us together as proud Texans.”
15. “On this Texas Independence Day, may the Lone Star always guide us towards progress, prosperity, and the preservation of our cherished traditions. Happy Independence Day!”
16. “Wishing you a Happy Texas Independence Day filled with love for our great state, pride in our history, and hope for an even brighter future.”
17. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! May the Lone Star shine as a symbol of our unity, strength, and commitment to the values that make us proud Texans.”
18. “On this Texas Independence Day, let’s celebrate the legacy of those who fought for our freedom and the spirit that makes Texas a beacon of independence.”
19. “Wishing you a joyous Texas Independence Day! May the traditions of our great state continue to thrive, and may the spirit of independence be everlasting.”
20. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! Here’s to the land we love, the home we cherish, and the freedom that defines us. God bless Texas!”

TOP 20 TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY QUOTES

Here are 20 unique Texas Independence Day quotes:

1. “As we celebrate Texas Independence Day, let us remember the words of Sam Houston: ‘Texas will again lift its head and stand among the nations. It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages.'”
2. “Happy Texas Independence Day! In the words of Mirabeau B. Lamar, ‘The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy, and while guided and controlled by virtue, the noblest attribute of man.'”
3. “On Texas Independence Day, let’s reflect on the wisdom of Stephen F. Austin: ‘Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has ever blessed my vision.'”
4. “Wishing you a proud Texas Independence Day! Remember the words of William B. Travis, ‘I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country.'”
5. “Happy Texas Independence Day! As we celebrate, let’s recall the words of Anson Jones: ‘Texas is now sovereign and independent, and her fate is in her own hands.'”
6. “On this Texas Independence Day, let the spirit of James W. Fannin inspire us: ‘I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in perpetual bondage.'”
7. “Wishing you a Happy Texas Independence Day! In the spirit of Lorenzo de Zavala, ‘Texas is the only state that came into the Union by treaty instead of territorial annexation.'”
8. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! As we honor our history, let’s heed the words of David Crockett: ‘You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas.'”
9. “On Texas Independence Day, let’s embrace the resilience of our great state with the words of Miriam ‘Ma’ Ferguson: ‘Texas is not a state; it’s a state of mind.'”
10. “Happy Texas Independence Day! In the spirit of Albert Sidney Johnston, let us remember: ‘Texas will again lift its head and stand among the nations.'”
11. “Wishing you a proud Texas Independence Day! Recall the words of James Bowie: ‘I shall never surrender or retreat.'”
12. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! Let the wisdom of Juan Seguín guide us: ‘I am a true Mexican, and I value Texas and her independence more than my life.'”
13. “On this Texas Independence Day, let the words of Mirabeau B. Lamar resonate: ‘The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.'”
14. “Wishing you a Happy Texas Independence Day! As we celebrate, remember the resilience captured by the words of Sam Houston: ‘Texas will again lift its head and stand among the nations.'”
15. “Happy Texas Independence Day! Let us be inspired by the words of Stephen F. Austin: ‘Texas is the finest portion of the globe.'”
16. “On Texas Independence Day, embrace the spirit of Anson Jones: ‘Texas is now sovereign and independent, and her fate is in her own hands.'”
17. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! Remember the courage of William B. Travis: ‘I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier.'”
18. “Wishing you a proud Texas Independence Day! In the words of Lorenzo de Zavala, ‘Texas is the only state that came into the Union by treaty.'”
19. “Happy Texas Independence Day! Recall the spirit of James W. Fannin: ‘I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in perpetual bondage.'”
20. “On this Texas Independence Day, let the words of Miriam ‘Ma’ Ferguson echo: ‘Texas is not a state; it’s a state of mind.'”

TOP 20 TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGES/SMS

Here are 20 unique Texas Independence Day messages:

1. “Happy Texas Independence Day! Today, let’s celebrate the Lone Star State with pride, remembering the courage and resilience that shaped our history. God bless Texas!”
2. “Wishing you a joyous Texas Independence Day! May the spirit of freedom and the pride of being a Texan fill your heart on this special day. Cheers to the land we love!”
3. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! May the legacy of our forefathers inspire us to cherish the freedom we enjoy today and work towards a brighter future. Long live the Lone Star State!”
4. “On this Texas Independence Day, let’s honor the sacrifices and bravery of those who paved the way for our freedom. May the Lone Star continue to shine brightly, guiding us to new heights.”
5. “Wishing you a Happy Texas Independence Day filled with gratitude for the rich history and heritage that make our state exceptional. Here’s to the spirit of independence that defines us!”
6. “Happy Texas Independence Day! May the strength and resilience of our great state inspire us to face the challenges ahead with courage and determination. God bless Texas!”
7. “On this special day, let’s come together to celebrate the uniqueness of Texas and the freedom we hold dear. Happy Texas Independence Day to you and your loved ones!”
8. “Wishing a joyous Texas Independence Day! May the values of liberty, courage, and independence continue to be the guiding principles of our beloved state. Cheers to Texas!”
9. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! As we commemorate the historic day when Texas declared its independence, let’s renew our commitment to preserving the spirit of freedom.”
10. “On Texas Independence Day, let the pride of being a Texan unite us. May the Lone Star always shine bright, symbolizing the strength and resilience of our great state.”
11. “Wishing you a Happy Texas Independence Day filled with pride, joy, and appreciation for the unique culture and history that make our state extraordinary. Long live Texas!”
12. “Happy Texas Independence Day! May the echoes of freedom from our past inspire us to build a future where the spirit of independence continues to thrive. God bless our great state!”
13. “On this Texas Independence Day, let’s reflect on the rich tapestry of our state’s history and the diverse contributions that have shaped the Texas we know and love. Cheers to Texas!”
14. “Wishing you a joyous Texas Independence Day! Today, let’s celebrate the freedom, resilience, and unity that define the great state of Texas. Here’s to the land of opportunity!”
15. “Happy Independence Day, Texas! May the legacy of our brave ancestors remind us of the importance of standing up for liberty and independence. Long live the Lone Star State!”
16. “On this Texas Independence Day, let’s express gratitude for the blessings of freedom and the opportunities that come with being a Texan. Cheers to the spirit of independence!”
17. “Wishing you a Happy Texas Independence Day filled with pride for our state’s rich history and a hopeful spirit for the future. May the Lone Star shine bright for generations to come.”
18. “Happy Texas Independence Day! Today, let’s honor the remarkable journey of our state and the enduring spirit of the Texans who have shaped its destiny. God bless Texas!”
19. “On this special day, let’s celebrate the unique identity of Texas and the unwavering spirit of its people. Happy Texas Independence Day to you and your loved ones!”
20. “Wishing you a joyous Texas Independence Day! May the spirit of liberty and the love for our great state continue to inspire us all. Here’s to Texas – our home and our heart!”

Conclusion

Texas Independence Day is a celebration of the history, culture, and people of Texas, who fought for their freedom and identity against a powerful and oppressive neighbor. It is a day to remember the heroes and martyrs of the Texas Revolution, and the legacy and achievements of the Republic of Texas. It is also a day to appreciate the diversity and richness of the Texan society, which has been shaped by various influences and traditions, such as Spanish, Mexican, Native American, Anglo-American, African-American, German, Czech, and others. Texas Independence Day is a day to be proud of being a Texan, and to honor the state motto: “Friendship”.