Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

Washington-on-the-Brazos is the Birthplace of Texas.

09—This is where 59 delegates convened, in a little unfinished building on the Brazos River, and drafted the declaration of Independence.

They declared their independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836, and on March 17, adopted a Constitution for the Republic of Texas, naming an interim government.

Ginger Moreland is administrator of the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association. This year marks the 175th anniversary of this event, and that calls for a weekend-long celebration February 26th and 27th at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site in Washington, Texas.

15—We have a lot planned this year to commemorate the occasion. We will be full of the Texas army, and craftsmen from the period, demonstrators that can show you how to quilt, or make lace, or knives, all those kinds of things.

Mooreland said this year her group launched a signers association project, which traces the genealogy of the 59 signers of the declaration. They invited the descendants to attend the event, and so far, 1,000 confirmed.

14—Sunday, particularly, we have a special program. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson will be out there to make a keynote address. We talks with the Senator to have her this year, because she is a descendant of one of the 59 signers.

Find more information about the celebration of 175 years of Texas Independence on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

History: Texas Independence Day Celebration Play Now | Play in Popup | Download