Texas Independence Day is an annual celebration on March 2nd that commemorates the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836. It is a state holiday in Texas and is celebrated with parades, speeches, and various festivities throughout the state.
On March 2nd, 1836, a group of 59 delegates gathered at Washington-on-the-Brazos to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence, which declared Texas an independent republic. This document was largely based on the United States Declaration of Independence and asserted that the Mexican government had violated the basic principles of self-government and individual rights.
The signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence marked the beginning of a long and bloody struggle for Texas independence, which culminated in the decisive Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. This battle ended with the capture of General Santa Anna, the Mexican president and commander-in-chief of the Mexican army, and secured Texas’ independence.
Today, Texas Independence Day is an important day for Texans to celebrate their unique history and culture, as well as to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for Texas’ independence.
Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto was a decisive battle fought on April 21, 1836, near modern-day Houston, Texas, that resulted in the defeat of the Mexican army and the capture of General Santa Anna, leading to the independence of the Republic of Texas. The battle was the final and most important battle of the Texas Revolution. The Texian army, under the leadership of General Sam Houston, launched a surprise attack on the Mexican army while they were resting during their afternoon siesta. The Texian soldiers shouted “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!” as they charged into battle, seeking revenge for the massacres at the Alamo and Goliad earlier in the revolution.
The battle lasted only 18 minutes, and the Texian army emerged victorious, capturing over 700 Mexican soldiers, including General Santa Anna. The battle’s aftermath led to the signing of the Treaty of Velasco on May 14, 1836, which recognized Texas as an independent republic.
The Battle of San Jacinto is considered one of the most significant battles in Texas history and is remembered as the defining moment of the Texas Revolution. It is also known as the battle that won Texas’ independence. Today, the San Jacinto Monument and Museum stand as a tribute to the Texian soldiers who fought and died for Texas’ freedom.
Remember the Goliad
The Goliad Massacre was a tragic event that occurred on March 27, 1836, during the Texas Revolution. Goliad was a small town in Texas where a group of Texian soldiers, under the command of Colonel James Fannin, had surrendered to the Mexican army after being defeated in battle.
The Mexican army, under the command of General Santa Anna, had initially promised to treat the Texian prisoners of war with dignity and respect. However, on Santa Anna’s orders, the Mexican soldiers executed over 300 Texian prisoners, including Colonel Fannin and his men, in cold blood.
The Goliad Massacre was a brutal event that deeply affected the Texian people and played a significant role in the fight for Texas independence. The massacre became a rallying cry for Texian soldiers and civilians, and it fueled their determination to fight for their freedom against the Mexican army.
Today, the Goliad Massacre is remembered as a tragic event in Texas history, and the Goliad State Historic Site serves as a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives.
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