The History of Texas Independence Day
Did you know that for over ten years, Texas was its own country? The signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, is commemorated on Texas Independence Day. With the signature of this declaration by over 59 delegates, Texas residents declared independence from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas. Let's take a look back at the history of Texas Independence Day in commemoration of this holiday.
History of this Holiday
During the Texas Revolution, a council of Texians and Tejanos met in Washington-on-the-Brazos and proclaimed Texas' independence from Mexico, earning them the nickname "Texans."
The members affirmed Sam Houston as commander-in-chief of all Texas armies and elected David Burnet as acting president.
The Texans ratified a constitution that affirmed slavery's unrestricted practice, which had previously been prohibited under Mexican law. Meanwhile, the Alamo was still under attack in San Antonio by Mexican General Antonio de Santa Anna, and the fort's defenders awaited the final Mexican siege.
On March 6, Santa Anna ordered his troops to invade the Alamo. Travis' artillery repelled both the first and second Mexican charges, but the Texans were heavily overcome in less than one hour, and the Alamo was taken.
A massive Texan army headed by Houston surprised Santa Anna's men at San Jacinto a few weeks later. Santa Anna was captured by the Texans after they defeated the Mexicans. The ruler had no choice but to recognize Texas' independence and retreat his forces south of the Rio Grande. The Republic of Texas was incorporated into the United States by collective bargaining agreement of the United States Congress nine years after the Texas Declaration of Independence was published.
For more than a decade, Texas was an autonomous republic, and Houston was the state's first president elect. In 1845, Texas became the 28th state to join the Union. The United States Congress admitted Texas to the Union on December 29, 1845. Sam Houston Day and Texas Flag Day are also observed on March 2 despite the fact that they are not recognized holidays.