Passport to Texas

Texas Independence Hall

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This is Passport to Texas

March 2 is an important date in Texas history. It’s when Texas declared its independence from Mexico. And each year we celebrate where it all began: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park and Historic Site.

The Texas Independence Day Celebration is an annual two-day living history event; this year it’s on Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4.

It’s when we celebrate the day when 59 delegates met in 1836 to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico in 1836.

This admission-free event features live music, food, demonstrations, living history presentations, kids’ activities, and more.

Historical reenactors set up an accurate Texas Army camp where visitors may wander freely among the tents to learn how the soldiers and their families lived in 1836.

During that weekend, admission fees are waived for the site’s attractions. Admission to the grounds, on-site shuttles and parking are also free.

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is halfway between Houston and Austin. Come out and celebrate with us on March 3rd and 4th. Find more details on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

That’s our show for today… Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Declaration of Texas’ Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

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This is Passport to Texas

Washington-on-the-Brazos is the birthplace of Texas. We observe the state’s anniversary on March 2, but we celebrate its 181 years on March 4th and 5th with family friendly activities at the State Park and Historic Site.

The Texas Independence Day festival observes the March 2, 1836 adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and brings thousands of folks to Washington-on-the-Brazos to celebrate Texas’ birth.

The festivities this year include live performances, food, music, tours, traditional crafts, demonstrations, living history presentations, historical encampments, commemorative programs, and historic firearms and cannon demonstrations.

There will something for everyone. Visit the Star of the Republic Museum, featuring collections honoring the history of early Texans; there’s Independence Hall, where representatives wrote the Texas Declaration of Independence; and Barrington Living History Farm, where interpreters dress, work and farm as did the original residents of this homestead.

Admission is free Saturday and Sunday, March fourth and fifth, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Visit the calendar section of the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more details.

That’s our show for today… Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

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

Independence Hall Exhibit at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Photo credit: Rob McCorkle, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

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Texas Independence Day is March 2. And Washington on the Brazos is where it all started.

This town was chosen as the site of the general convention, which met on March 1, 1836, and adjourned on March 17.

Janice Campbell, former interpreter at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, said those seventeen days in 1836, paved the way for Texas future.

In those seventeen days, the elected delegates that came here, they declared their independence from Mexico; they wrote a constitution; and they elected some officers for a government. So, I guess you could say the groundwork of the government of the Republic of Texas was created right here in Washington.

Campbell said one cannot help but feel a deep connection to the past when visiting Washington-on-the-Brazos.

It’s pretty awesome to be able to walk out there, and walk along the main thoroughfare of the town and know that we are walking in the footsteps of history…right here in Washington.

Check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Calendar of events to see when Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site plans to celebrate Texas’ Independence.

We record our series at the Block House in Austin and Joel Block engineers our program.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.