On March 2, 1836, the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed, ultimately beginning the territory’s separation from Mexico and marking the day the Republic of Texas was officially born. In honor of the anniversary, the DFW area will be hosting multiple celebrations on Wednesday, March 2.
Around 10 years before the signing, the Fredonian Rebellion broke out in 1826 due to conflict between Mexican and American settlers, leading the opposing groups to form armies.
According to the Texas Military Department, the Mexican government was trying to prevent Americans from settling near the Brazos River, as they were beginning to be outnumbered. Conflict continued with minor battles.
Per the History Channel, in December of 1835, “Texas volunteers commanded by Ben Milam drove Mexican troops out of San Antonio and settled in around the Alamo, a mission compound adapted to military purposes around 1800.”
After continued conflict between the groups of settlers, the Battle of the Alamo began in February 1836, lasting for 12 days. Santa Anna, a politician and soldier, led the Mexican troops forming south of Rio Grande.
Colonel James Bowie, with his American army, stayed at the Alamo as Anna’s men arrived, after discovering the mission’s cannons could not be removed quickly enough to retreat with them. Bowie kept the Mexican army at bay, giving American General Sam Houston time to gather more men.
On March 1, 1836, Texas reinforcements barged through the enemy’s line, straight into the Alamo. Meanwhile, sixty signatures were being written upon the document that would create the Republic of Texas and name Houston as its first President.
However, the conflict over Texas was not over. In 1845, Texas became the twenty-eighth state by joining the Union, which then prompted the Mexican-American War.
Regardless of the continued battles, March 2 is remembered and honored as an official holiday for the Lone Star State, and the DFW area is ready to celebrate with its fellow Texans.
Haywire, a restaurant and bar with Texas-themed decor, a cowboy feel, and lively atmosphere, will be serving up a variety of festivities. Located at 1920 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100 in Dallas, the restaurant will host a celebration of Texas independence on March 2 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Guests at Haywire will be able to join in for Happy Hour, vendor pop-ups, a photo opportunity with a “Texas-sized balloon,” and live music from performer Sarah Johnson. A Sampler Flight of five drinks will be sold for $30; patrons can purchase Ranch Water, Tequila Old-Fashioned, or Paloma for $12.
To indulge in the fun, guests must RSVP for their free tickets. The ticket provides a complimentary appetizer with the choice of either fried okra, queso blanco, mini elk tacos, or black-eyed pea hummus. RSVP on their website here.
Tumbleweed TexStyles, a Texana apparel company, is hosting a free concert at the Frisco Rail Yard, located at 9040 First Street in Frisco. From 4:00 p.m. until 9:15 p.m., the event will offer food trucks, a bar, and Texas Country/Americana music.
The Texas Independence Day Topgolf Tournament will tee off at 6:00 p.m. at the Topgolf in Fort Worth, located at 2201 East 4th Street. A ticket to this event provides a Texas-style fajita dinner, awards for three levels in the tournament, and a cash bar. Ticket prices are $83 to join the tournament and $36 for spectators. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.