Texas Independence Day

Texas Independence Day

March 2

A legal holiday in Texas, March 2 commemorates both the convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos held on this day in 1836, when delegates prepared for the separation of Texas from Mexico, and the birthday of Sam Houston (1793-1863), who led the Texans to victory over the Mexicans in the battle of San Jacinto. The convention formed an interim government, drew up a constitution, and made Sam Houston commander-in-chief of the Texan military forces. But their work was interrupted by the invading Mexican army. It wasn't until the following month that the Republic of Texas forced the issue of independence at the battle of San Jacinto. Texas is the only state to celebrate independence from a country other than England.
March 2 is also known as Sam Houston Day and Texas Flag Day, although these are "special observance days" rather than legal holidays. This period in Texas history, beginning with the Washington-on-the-Brazos convention and ending with Sam Houston's decisive victory at San Jacinto, is celebrated each year during "Texas Week."

CONTACTS:
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park
P.O. Box 305
Washington, TX 77880
888-273-6426 or 936-878-2214
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
Texas State Historical Association
1 University Station D0901
Austin, TX 78712
512-471-1525; fax: 512-471-1551
www.tsha.utexas.edu

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 177
AnnivHol-2000, p. 37
DictDays-1988, p. 118

Celebration day: Mar 2