by Donna Hicks

Created on: March 14, 2010

Texas Independence Day is March 2nd, but in some areas, celebrations take place the entire week throughout the state. Texas Independence Day commemorates Texas's independence from Mexico, with the signing of the document that made Texas independent and becoming the Republic of Texas, on March 2, 1836. The “birthplace” of Texas, where the signing of the document giving Texas its independence from Mexico took place, is at Washington-on-the-Brazos. The fifty-four delegates, representatives from all the Texas Settlements, worked through the night writing the document giving Texas its independence.

History Lessons

At the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site,Texas Independence Day events include re-enactments of life at the time Texas gained her independence, with period artisans and craftsmen performing demonstrations of their trades. There is also a celebration festival at the Washington-on-the-Brazos STS  the weekend that falls closest to March 2nd, the actual Texas Independence Day.

At the Frontier Texas! Museum, re-enactments of the original independence signing, along with other celebrations are held, with fun and educational activities for the entire family. The  Frontier Texas! Museum is non-profit, and  it is located in Downtown Abilene. A small admission fee is charged at the museum.

Celebrations

Students at the University of Texas at Austin also recognize and contribute to the annual Texas Independence Day Events. They light the University of Texas at Austin Tower orange to commemorate the independence of Texas.

Across the state, various communities develop, coordinate and bring to life their own festivities and ways to celebrate Texas Independence Day. There are food cook-offs, parades, parties, educational demonstrations, activities and other events, with some lasting a day, a weekend, or the entire week leading up to March 2nd.

Many businesses close for the day, recognizing Texas Independence Day as an official state holiday. State of Texas Employees operates with a “skeleton crew” on Texas Independence Day.

Texas Independence Day Pride

Texans are a proud people, and across the state, no matter what large city or small rural area, the people, old and young alike, will show their Texan Pride. The children learn not just from the history books, but from the re-enactments during Texas Independence Day celebrations as well as the stories handed down through the generations. The children participating in the Texas Independence Day festivities now, will undoubtedly have more to pass on to their own children in the future.

 Sources

Passport to Texas

Texas Independence

State of Texas State Classification

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