Nearly 180 years ago, Texas broke away from Mexico's grasp to form a short-lived republic. While history remembers little outside the Battle of the Alamo, the state's annual celebration of their annexation into the United States has come to symbolize Texans' fiery spirit.
Texas Independence Day came about after a March 1, 1836 meeting between delegates of 17 Mexican municipalities and one from the Pecan Point settlement took place at Washington-on-the Brazos, a site now historicized as the state's birthplace. George C. Childress headed a committee tasked with drafting the state's Declaration of Independence; all while the Battle of the Alamo raged on.
On March 2, the declaration was signed by 58 delegates and an official state holiday was born. The Lone Star Republic wouldn't join the United States until 1845 when President James K. Polk pushed for Texas' admittance as the Union's 28th state.
Today, a one-day celebration has stretched into weeks' worth of festivities, some even coming away from the southwest. In Galveston, the third annual Texas Independence Day Cake Showdown will pit bakers against one another with proceeds going to the Galveston Island Humane Society. Dallas' House of Blues keeps the party going on March 6 with a Herman Marshall whisky tasting and music from the city's own Deidre Thornell.
On March 7, New York City hosts the 7th Annual Salute to Texas Independence Day. Slated to perform are country music stars Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, Casey Donahew Band, and Hudson Moore. Anyone sporting a Texas related tattoo or wearing an article of clothing with a Texas college logo receives on complimentary drink.
As if music and whiskey tastings weren't enough, a bill giving Texas gun-buyers tax breaks on the holiday is currently being discussed.
Republican State Representative Jeff Leach's proposal eliminates sales tax on rifle, pistol, shotgun or semi-automatic gun purchases on March 2. Ammunition and gun cleaning supplies would also be exempt.
Come next Independence Day, Texans may be celebrating with a little extra change in their pocket.