A rather unusual State holiday is celebrated each year in Texas.
It’s the commemoration of the independence of Texas as a separate nation, which occurred 190 years ago.
The Republic of Texas was a short-lived sovereign country in North America from March 2, 1836, to February 19, 1846.
It was bordered by Mexico to the west and southwest, the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast, the two U.S. states of Louisiana and Arkansas to the east and northeast, and unorganized territory encompassing parts of the present-day Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming.
The Republic of Texas officially ended with the transfer of power to the State of Texas, and while the U.S. legally annexed Texas as the 28th state on December 29, 1845, the formal ceremony to lower the Republic flag and raise the U.S. flag took place later, on February 19, 1846, in Austin.
To mark the 190th anniversary of Texas Independence Day, the San Angelo Christian Academy will host a program from 1-2 p.m. Monday, March 2, on the west end of the Parade Ground at Historic Fort Concho.
The program will feature a flag ceremony, patriotic Texan music, a short concert and a main address by Sgt. Philip Kemp, a retired Texas Ranger.
March 2 is an official state holiday and is designated as a “partial staffing holiday,” meaning state offices are open but may operate with reduced staffing.
The event is open to the public, with parking available across South Oakes Street and limited seating provided.
