On March 2nd, 1836, the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico was signed in a little cabin in present day Washington-on-the-Brazos, outside Brenham. I can only imagine the fields were full of bluebonnets, as they are today, when General Sam Houston and other Texas revolutionist signed the declaration! Here’s a list of places, events and things to do to celebrate Texas Independence Day throughout the month of March!
1. The Alamo, San Antonio
Explore The Alamo and the Battle of the Alamo Commemoration with a Texas Independence Day Ceremony on March 2nd. FREE and open to the public 7 days a week, from 9am until 5:30pm.
My Mommy Tip
- Before you go, speak with your children about the relevance of the Alamo, and the respect it deserves. As a place where many, many people gave their lives, remind them they will need to speak in low voices while inside, and conduct themselves properly.
2. Independence Hall, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site, near Brenham
The Independence Day Festival on March 2nd and 3rd brings Texans from all over to celebrate the birth of Texas! FREE to the public, re-enactors, live music, book signings, demonstrations and more are just some of the activities offered! Visit the Star of the Republic museum and Barrington Living History Farm, too.
My Mommy Tip
Pack an ice chest and plan to spend the day, as there is so much to see and do! The farm is a wonderful, interactive activity for the kids, but make it your last stop, as mine have never left completely clean!
3. San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and San Jacinto Monument
Visit the location where the war ended! Spurred by rally cries such as Remember the Alamo! and Remember Goliad! our broken and beaten Texas troops defeated General Santa Anna and his army! Tour the monument, taller then even the Washington Monument, and visit the observation deck. Walk the trails through the marshes, where you can see alligators, birds and fish, and the Houston Ship Channel. Picnic in the park, or have a cook out! Round out the event with dinner at nearby Monument Inn.
April 18, 2020 is the San Jacinto Festival and Battle Reenactment. Each year thousands of spectators and participants travel back to April 21st 1836, when at 3pm, same time as the original battle, the field comes alive as the historic battle is waged! Day long activities include live music, demonstrations, crafts for kids, and more, all FREE to the public.
4. Texas State Cemetery, Austin
The Texas State Cemetery recognizes Texas Independence Day with a Memorial Service for the Veterans of the Texas Revolution at 9am. Period dressed re-enactors stroll the grounds and answer questions. Sixteen veterans of the war, and Stephen F. Austin are all interned at the cemetery.
Recently, Chris Kyle, noted Texan, ex-navy seal and author of the best seller, American Sniper, was laid to rest in the cemetery, after his murder in Erath County. Click here for a map to his burial site.
5. Also in Austin
The Texas Independence Day Parade on March 7, 2020 on Congress Ave.
At noon, enjoy the celebration at the State Capitol in the rotunda.
2pm Ceremony in the Joseph and Susanna Dickinson Hannig Museum
March 2nd, at 2:00 PM – Alamo Ceremony on the South Capitol Grounds
Visit the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum to see The Star of Destiny, a memorable movie about the perseverance of the Texas Spirit!
6. Huntsville
March 2nd isn’t just Texas Independence Day, it’s also the birthday of Sam Houston!
On March 2, enjoy a reception from 9:15-10:15am at the Gibbs-Powell Home Walker County Museum, and view many of the historic Texas exhibits.
Join in on the annual walk to Sam Houston’s grave at historic Oakwood Cemetery! The traditional march begins at 10:15 at Austin Hall, on the Sam Houston State University‘s campus. Followed by a tour at 3pm at Oakwood Cemetery/Steamboat House Historic Site at the Adickes Addition.
Oakwood Cemetery also has an eerie side, click here to read about it at Weird, Texas.
8. Gonzales Memorial Museum, Gonzales
Visit the Cradle of Texas Independence, where the first shots of the Texas Revolution were fired. Learn about the iconic, “Come and Take It” flag! A walk along downtown Gonzales takes you to the Texas History Museum District, including The Gonzales Memorial Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Eggleston House, the J B Wells House and the Pioneer Village Living History Center.
9. Luckenbach
Enjoy live music in this FREE, family friendly celebration of Texas Independence beginning at noon on Sunday, March 1st.
10. Goliad
On March 28 and 29, 2020, visit the Presidio La Bahia for a re-enactment of the Massacre at Goliad. Click on the link above for schedule.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
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