A Hard Fight for Texas Independence

Imagine the scene 177 years ago. Texas declares independence from Mexico, March 2, 1836, only days before some 150 men committed to the Texas cause died fighting during the final assault of the Alamo and only weeks before more than 300 unarmed Texan prisoners faced execution by the Mexican Army at Goliad. Families across what is now Central and South Texas became refugees as they fled the ongoing warfare.

Safe to say, victory was not a sure thing for the new Republic of Texas. It’s a story that still stirs Texas pride and patriotism.

This Texas Independence Day, an important artifact from the Texas Revolution returns to its point of origin as the famous “Victory or Death” letter written by commander William B. Travis is displayed at the Alamo for the first time since leaving there by courier 177 years ago.

The letter, addressed to “the People of Texas & All Americans in the World,” calls for reinforcements and supplies for the badly outnumbered Texian fighters at the Alamo. Though Travis didn’t receive those reinforcements in time, the 13-day Battle of the Alamo kept Santa Anna from marching into East Texas where delegates, including Sam Houston, were meeting to officially declare Texas a free and independent nation.

Texas Independence Day is our yearly reminder of the bold and even brash ideas and actions that helped build our great state. That can-do, determined spirit still drives Texans today and makes me proud to call the Lone Star State my home.