What is Texas Independence Day? Here’s where to celebrate in the Fort Worth area
For many Texans, today is the best day of the year. They connect with their Texas roots. They break out their Western wear, listen to country music and feast on Southern food galore.
Wednesday, March 2, is Texas Independence Day.
Well, you may be thinking, why is this holiday so important to Texans? Let’s break it down.
What is Texas Independence Day?
It commemorates the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence 185 years ago, on March 2, 1836.
During the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Richard Ellis, president of the convention, appointed George Childress, James Gaines, Edward Conrad, Collin McKinney and Bailey Hardeman to a committee to draft the declaration. Childress, the committee chairman, authored the document.
Fifty-nine delegates, each representing one of the settlements in Texas, signed the declaration. That’s when the Republic of Texas was declared independent from Mexico.
Then, five copies were dispatched to the Texas towns of Bexar, Goliad, Nacogdoches, Brazoria and San Felipe.
Like the United States Declaration of Independence, the Texas Declaration of Independence emphasized the rights to life and liberty. Click here to read the full text.
When did Texas become a state?
On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state of the United States.
In 1874, almost 40 years after the Texas declaration was signed, the 14th Texas Legislature declared March 2 as Texas Independence Day.
Can I get the day off for Texas Independence Day?
It’s a partial staffing holiday, according to the Texas State Library, meaning state offices are open with reduced staffing. It’s not an official state holiday, however, so most Texans still go into the office or to school.
How do I celebrate Texas Independence Day?
Texans typically celebrate with armadillo races, mechanical bulls, historical reenactments, country music and barbecue. Here’s where to celebrate the Lone Star State in Dallas-Fort Worth this weekend.
TEXFest
- When: Saturday, March 5, 3-9 p.m.
- Where: 1106 S. Broadway St., Carrollton
This Texas Independence Day celebration in Downtown Carrollton will have craft beer, good barbecue and local artists performing Texas music including Big City Outlaws, Alex Aguilar, Texas High Road and Adler & Hearne. Put your cowboy skills to the test by riding a mechanical bull. There will also be yard games, crafts, Texas trivia and photo opps with a real-life longhorn.
Grapevine’s American Indian History
The Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau will be hosting a presentation about Grapevine’s American Indian history and its relationship with Sam Houston, president of the Republic of Texas. Texas chili will be served during the event. Register here.
Remember the Alamo
This is a full re-enactment of the Alamo with historians from around the state. You’ll watch living history reenactments of Texas icons, with Wild West cannons and shoot-outs. For the kids, there will be a petting zoo and carriage rides. There will also be live music, poetry, vendors and food trucks. Get tickets here.
Armadillo Racing
Enjoy a day full of Texas-themed activities at Grandscape. The event will feature: a fireworks show, country music performance, an appearance by the J.J. Pearce Mustang Stampede, Western Shoot Out: Gun Fighting Show, pecan pie eating contest, mechanical bull riding, live armadillo racing and pictures with a Texas longhorn. Save your spot here.
This story was originally published March 2, 2022 at 12:32 PM.
