Texas Revolution - Texas Independence Day - Part One

The Texas flag as seen through a friend's window.

The Unanimous

Declaration of Independence

made by the

Delegates of the People of Texas

in General Convention

at the town of Washington

on the 2nd day of March 1836

Thus begins the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Texas from Mexico. The declaration was written hurriedly by five men on March 1, 1836; these men were George C. Childress, Edward Conrad, James Baines, Bailey Hardeman, and Collin McKinney. It was unanimously adopted and signed into being on March 2 at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Time was of the essence in writing the new Constitution as the Mexican army under the command of General Santa Anna had the Alamo at San Antonio under siege. There were daily reports of the fighting taking place at the Alamo from February 23 to March 6th.

Fifty-four delegates to the Convention of 1836 began the process of changing Tejas forever. Each of the settlements in Texas elected representatives for the Convention held at Washington-on-the-Brazos March 1. The purpose of this Convention was to prepare a declaration whereby Texas would no longer be under the rule of Mexico, but would become a country unto itself. The Convention lasted until March 17th when it was determined that Santa Anna's army was fast approaching.


Next: Texas Revolution - The Battle of the Alamo - Part One