While newcomers to these parts may not know Texas history, anyone who made it through the state’s grade and/or junior-high schools can tell why Texas is called the Lone Star State. And besides their own birthday, the next most important date to a diehard Texas is March 2 (aka Texas Independence Day), when the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed creating the Republic of Texas.
Since Texans tend to start celebrating occasions ahead of time, March 2 is no different. For instance, while the Bullock Texas State Museum in Austin will hold its 19th Annual Texas Independence Day Dinner with a planeload of North Texans on Thursday, March 2, other locals will start the partying on Saturday, February 25, thanks to the Dallas Historical Society’s “Texas Independence Day Celebration: Valor and Swagger.”
Hosted by Jeanette and Stan Graff, Susan and Bob Jenevein, Mary and Bill Pickens Jr., Rogge Dunn Group PC, Scheef and Stone – Solid Counsel, Sullivan and Coo LLC and Lisa and Clay Cooley, the evening will include a “private, up-close look at Texas Liberty Forever!, regional cuisine and spirits.”
Taking place at the Hall of State from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., the attire is cowboy chic with live music provided by the Mojo Brothers band.
If you’re wondering why tickets are going for $187.00, it might be because on March 30, 1870, Texas was readmitted to the Union following the Civil War.
But even before the festivities get underway, the First Annual Texas History Symposium will feature Drs. Stephen L. Hardin and Lloyd Uglow discussing the Battle of the Alamo and the Runaway Scrape in the Hall’s State Auditorium from 10 a.m. to noon. “This presentation will move from the larger strategic context of the Alamo in the Texas Revolution; to an examination of the men, weapons, and tactical deployments on each side and detailed narrative of the capture of the mission; to a look at possible alternative scenarios if forces on one or both sides had taken different courses of action.” While the symposium is free, registration is required.
* Graphic provided by Dallas Historical Society