Texans paused Monday to observe Texas Independence Day, marking 190 years since delegates declared separation from Mexico and set the stage for the Lone Star State’s birth as a republic.
The holiday falls annually on March 2, the date in 1836 when 59 men gathered at Washington-on-the-Brazos to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence. Historians believe the original document and five copies were drafted and endorsed that day, shifting the Texas Revolution from efforts to restore Mexico’s 1824 constitution toward full sovereignty.
The declaration came amid escalating conflict. Weeks later, on April 21, 1836, Texan forces under Sam Houston decisively defeated Mexican troops at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing independence. Houston went on to serve as one of the republic’s presidents, alongside interim leader David G. Burnet, Mirabeau B. Lamar, and Anson Jones. The Republic of Texas endured for almost a decade before annexing to the United States in 1846.
The roots of the revolution date back to 1821, when Mexico controlled vast, sparsely populated lands and enlisted empresarios to attract settlers. Stephen F. Austin, a key figure, established San Felipe de Austin as a central settlement with 300 colonists.
Tensions rose after Antonio López de Santa Anna’s election as Mexico’s president, fueling separatist sentiments among Texans. The spark ignited in 1835 when Mexican forces attempted to reclaim a loaned cannon from settlers in Gonzales. Defiant locals raised a flag proclaiming, “Come and take it,” igniting open revolt.
Texans initially seized the Alamo mission, but Santa Anna countered with an estimated 1,800 soldiers to retake it, initiating a 13-day siege on February 23, 1936. Four days after the independence declaration was signed, Santa Anna’s army struck the Alamo at dawn on March 6, overwhelming the defenders, who numbered less than 300, in roughly an hour and inspiring the rallying cry, “Remember the Alamo.”
In retreat, Texans executed the Runaway Scrape, scorching their own towns to deprive advancing Mexicans of resources. Houston, appointed commander-in-chief of the Texas Army, later ambushed Santa Anna’s forces at San Jacinto. The general was captured and compelled to sign the Treaty of Velasco on April 22, formally recognizing Texas as a sovereign nation.
Though not a federal holiday, Texas Independence Day is recognized statewide. State offices, libraries, and agencies typically close, while federal facilities such as post offices and banks remain open.
For those seeking to delve deeper, resources like thealamo.org offer detailed accounts of the revolution. Many residents celebrate with history quizzes or reflections on the state’s enduring spirit of freedom, often rivaling their affection for cowboy boots and University of Texas Longhorns football.
And for those whose celebrations include food, Dairy Queen, a staple in the state, is giving away a free Hungr-Buster with a $2 app purchase on March 2 in honor of Texas Independence Day.
“There is no doubt that Texas Independence Day is a special moment in our state’s history,” Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council, said in a news release. “The Hungr-Buster is a Texas tradition, and we can’t think of a better way to honor this day than by sharing this iconic burger with our fans on the house.”