March 2 marks the 181st anniversary of Texas’ Independence, upon which delegates met at Washington-on-the-Brazos to formally declare the state’s independence from Mexico in 1836. The day also happens to coincide with the birthday of former Texas Governor, General Sam Houston, who was born in 1793.
Here are a few events Texans can attend this week to show off their state pride.
Texas Independence Day at The Woodlands Children’s Museum
March 2
The Woodlands Children’s Museum celebrates Texas Independence Day with a campfire, cowboy sing-a-long, photo opportunity with the Wells Fargo Stagecoach and a special guest appearance by Tall Texan cowboy. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $6. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr., Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955.
www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Sam Houston’s Birthday & Texas Independence Day celebration
March 2
The City of Huntsville will host several events around town to commemorate both Texas Independence Day and Sam Houston’s Birthday, March 2. The events will begin with a coffee reception at the Walker County Museum, followed by a ceremony at Sam Houston’s grave in Oakwood Cemetery. A luncheon and statue dedication will take place in the W. S. Gibbs Conference Hall and the celebration will conclude with a “Toast to Texas” and birthday cake at the Sam Houston Statue and Visitor Center. (times, prices and locations vary). 936-291-5931.
www.samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
Texas Birthday Bash
March 3-4
This free two-day festival features live music by Kevin Fowler, Asleep at the Wheel and Neal McCoy. The event will also include a chili bowl cook-off, a Wild West shootout, a “Made in Texas” craft fair, mechanical bull and petting zoo. 5:30p.m. (March 3)-11 p.m. (March 4). Free. 200 E. McAlpine, Navasota. 936-825-6475.
www.texasbirthdaybash.com
Texas Independence Day Celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos
March 4-5
This Texas-sized annual event takes place on the historic site where 59 delegates met 181 years ago to formally declare Texas’ independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. The two-day festival features live music, food, crafts, living history presentations, cannon and musket firing lines and historical encampments. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 12300 Park Rd.12, Washington. 936-878-2214.
www.wheretexasbecametexas.org
Here are a few museums and restaurants Texans can visit to learn more about Texas’ unique history and journey to statehood:
Heritage Museum of Montgomery County
1506 I-45 N., Conroe
936-539-6873
www.heritagemuseum.com
Hours: Wed.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Sun.-Tue.
The Heritage Society Museum Gallery & Tour Office
1100 Bagby St., Houston
713-655-1912
www.heritagesociety.org
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sam Houston Memorial Museum
1836 Sam Houston Ave., Huntsville
936-294-1832
www.samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun. noon-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays
Star of The Republic Museum
23200 Park Rd. 12, Washington
936-878-2461
www.starmuseum.org
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Steamboat House
8045 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W., Houston
832-912-1845
www.steamboathousetx.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-9:30 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-10 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m., closed Sundays
Taste of Texas Restaurant
10505 Katy Freeway, Houston
713-932-6901
www.tasteoftexas.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 3-11 p.m., Sun. 3-10 p.m.