If you are proud to be a Texan, you might know the significance of today. March 2 is Texas Independence Day! 182 years ago, 60 delegates met for a convention at Washington on the Brazos to declare their independence from Mexican forces. They signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Its language in many ways parallels the 1776 Declaration of Independence of the United States. The declaration proclaimed that the Mexican government "ceased to protect the lives, liberty, and property of the people, from whom its legitimate powers are derived" and denounced their "arbitrary acts of oppression and tyranny". Throughout the declaration are numerous references to the United States laws, rights, and customs.
The declaration officially established the Republic of Texas. The Republic of Texas existed until 1845, when Texas was annexed by the United States.
So who were these 60 mean? According to Wikipedia, three were from Mexico and 57 were from other states. One of these men, is the namesake of Collin County and McKinney, Texas – Collin McKinney. Collin McKinney helped to craft the Texas Declaration of Independence. The other men who signed the constitution respected Collin McKinney so much that they gave him the quill and inkwell used by all the signers. At age 70, Mr. McKinney was the oldest signer. McKinney was by trade a land surveyor, and also an outfitter, guide, businessman, and pastor.
Another signer was Sam Houston. Sam Houston is the only man who has served as governor of 2 states – Texas and Tennessee. Houston was a complex man – he lived among the Cherokee for some time, he felt strongly that Texas should not participate in the confederacy. He is also known for leading the army who took Mexican forces by surprise who were camping along the Mississippi River. Houston’s army of 800 men were able to overtake Santa Anna’s army in 18 minutes, forcing Santa Anna to surrender and sign an armistice that granted Texas Independence.
Happy Texas Independence Day! Wear some boots, eat some salsa, drink a margarita and be grateful that you are here in this great state
Sources:
Collinmckinney250.org
History.com
Wikipedia.com
The Republic of Texas was annexed to the US by joint resolution of the US Congress nine years after the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed. The US Congress then admitted Texas as a constituent state of the Union on December 29, 1845. Texas Independence Day is an official holiday in Texas. Sam Houston Day is also observed on March 2, marking the birthday of the man who led the Texans to victory over Mexican troops at the battle of San Jacinto.
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