Every state celebrates a milestone…sesquicentennial of statehood, or bicentennial of the country, but Texas has something that no other state in the Union truly has – its very own Independence Day, separate from that of 1776. Texas Independence Day is the celebration of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. That document, signed by 59 delegates in Mexican Texas, officially declared independence from the country of Mexico, and thereby creating the Republic of Texas.
While some locations and Texas Independence Day events should go without saying – the birthplace of Texas in Washington-on-the-Brazos, the home of President Sam Houston in Huntsville, and the Alamo in San Antonio – many other communities throughout Texas celebrate Texas’ Independence Day. You can find a bevy of opportunities to become a part of the celebratory events, from museum exhibits to being baptized a Texan, that can easily allow you to become a part of the celebration.
Unfortunately, 2024 sees Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site fulfilling restoration needs rather than hosting their extraordinary two-day living history celebration. The Star of the Republic Museum will be closed and under renovation; the site will be open – just not fully. However, plans are underway for a Friday evening with performances by local bands Night Moves and Drifters & Grifters and a concert by Glen Templeton. Saturday festivities will include a small opening ceremony from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at Independence Hall. The First Annual Republic of Texas Chili Cook-Off – a period interpretive presentation – will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Sons of the Republic of Texas will present an Independence Day program from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. One should not pass up the opportunity to see Independence Hall, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed, and Barrington Plantation, which provides a view of what life was like for those new Texas settlers.
In an odd twist of fate, Texas Independence Day and Sam Houston’s birthday coincide. So, every year on March 2nd in celebration of these two events, the City of Huntsville, the Walker County Historical Commission and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum host the annual Texas Independence Day and General Sam Houston’s Birthday Celebration. A traditional “March to the Grave” from Sam Houston State University is a celebratory walk from the campus to Sam Houston’s burial site in Oakwood Cemetery. Special gravesite ceremonies are conducted that include the ”Baptized a Texan” ceremony. Honorary Texans can be blessed with Huntsville water and be sworn in by Huntsville city officials to become true Texans! Afterwards, there is a “Toast to Texas” and serving of birthday cake. To learn more about these events, contact the staff at the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center (see below).
Another obvious place to be for Texas Independence Day is at the Alamo in San Antonio. While defenders of the Alamo held their ground, delegates to the Convention of 1836 in Washington-on-the-Brazos hammered out a declaration of independence, wrote a constitution and elected temporary government officials. The annual Battle of the Alamo Commemoration honors the 13-day siege from February 23, through March 6. Special events are held daily during this time including music and living history reenactments. Commemorative events culminate with the annual Dawn at the Alamo ceremony honoring the sacrifices of the Alamo defenders on March 6 which is the date of the Battle of the Alamo. Held at the Alamo Plaza from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., the event includes music, vignettes, wreath-laying and a musket volley.
An annual “Toast to Texas!” celebration will be held in Abilene at Frontier Texas! Celebratory events include everyone from school-age children to adults. There is usually an early morning ceremony with school-age children, along with a “Toast of Texas” reception in the early evening (a commemorative event that can be found throughout the state – from Austin to Tyler and beyond). A giant copy of the declaration is on hand for attendees to sign and the event typically includes live music, drinks, and light refreshments for attendees. This year the museum is hosting an “Evening with Barry Corbin” – a ticketed event – from 7 to 9 p.m.
Grandscape in The Colony will be hosting its fifth annual Texas Independence Day celebration. While celebrating the Lone Star State’s Republic independence, attendees will be offered live stage performances, a chance to hop on a mechanical bull, carnival games, arts and crafts, and armadillo racing every half hour. Capping it all off will be a Texas Independence Day fireworks display.
Events surrounding Texas Independence Day abound in the state capital of Austin. Some of these are, ahem, “unsanctioned” and can be found in bars and outposts throughout the city. Others, however, are either sanctioned or, at the very least, have become a part of the festivities over the years. During the work week, these include an early morning program at the Texas State Cemetery followed by a lunch-hour Capitol Celebration located at the Capitol Rotunda. These will be followed by weekend events for the family which include a parade up Congress Avenue on Saturday morning and a Sunday afternoon ceremony regarding the defenders of the Alamo on the South Capitol grounds.
If you’re not able to participate in these events or a local celebration, gather your friends and family to raise a glass and give a toast to Texas!
Toast to Texas
by historian and writer Joe Franz
To Texas …
Joyous and sparkling,
Evergreen when it rains, enduring in drought,
Timeless, endless in boundaries, exciting,
Home to the adventurous of yesterday and today,
With shrines from the past
And space and spirit for the future.
To Texas.
