Angelo State University and Historic Fort Concho will present the sixth and final installment of the public speaker series, “U.S.A. 250th & Texas: The Concho Valley Commemorates U.S. Independence,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18, in the Fort Concho Commissary, 704 Burgess St.
ASU Assistant Professor of History, Dr. Michael Shane Powers, will deliver a special presentation titled “Patriotism in the Past: How Americans Celebrated U.S. Independence from Fort Concho to Philadelphia.”
Powers’ presentation will explore how Americans celebrated their independence during the centennial in 1876 and the bicentennial in 1976, illustrating the application of Revolutionary War ideals to contemporary times.
He will discuss the significance of Fort Concho during the Indian Wars and the Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, where Americans celebrated independence while discovering modern technologies.
Additionally, he will highlight West Texas commemorations in 1976, reflecting on developments that continue to shape Texas today.
The event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments served.
