Today, March 2, is the 175th anniversary of the Republic of Texas. We still recognize this as an important day in our state.
When I was young, Texas Independence Day was even a school holiday. We were the Republic of Texas from 1836-1846, after winning a revolution with Mexico.
People who have lived in Texas for any length of time quickly become wrapped up in the folklore of the state, or rather the “Republic”.
Our ancestors were a determined bunch. The Republic of Texas originally included all current territory of Texas as well as parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and more. Many of the elected leaders of the Republic wanted to hold all lands to the west, including the “Californias”.
The new Republic found governing a hard task and due to multiple battles and wars between Mexico, Native Americans and others, accrued a significant debt. Factions of the government wanted to join with the United States while others supported rejoining with Mexico. Both governments made offers to the Republic.
In the end, the leaders of the Republic decided to join with the United States and to surrender their lands to the west and the state as it now exists became a part of the U.S. Smart negotiators retained many rights for our state, though. The Federal government could only have lands they possessed at the time or that they purchased. They also retained mineral rights for the state which has helped to fund the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems.
Deep in our roots, however, we still think of ourselves as a Republic. While we are Americans, most Texans will claim to be Texan first and everything else is secondary. We boast and we are a prideful people. The streak of independence is deep in our blood.
It is not really a surprise to hear our current Governor blasting “federal control” and even mentioning seceding from the U.S. This is a great Texas tradition. We have a long history of bucking federal policy through court cases, Presidents, Congress and more.
While we are officially a state, we are still a “state of mind”. Deep in our hearts, we will always be independent.
Pause for a moment today and celebrate being a Texan!
As a fifth generation Texan, I just have to say: If it’s true, it isn’t bragging.
Texas will never achieve true independence until it embraces intra-city rail to its airports. Ninety minutes this morning door-to-door getting to Hobby. Space City?? More like Ma and Pa Kettle take to the skies. High speed rail is a sign of the world’s great cities (see Asia). Let’s get with the program!