Commemorating the 190th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Texas.

89(R) HCR 162 - Introduced version - Bill Text

89R32855 KSM-D

By: Lowe

H.C.R. No. 162

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, March 2, 2026, will mark the 190th anniversary of

the establishment of the Republic of Texas; and

WHEREAS, On March 1, 1836, amid mounting tensions with

Mexico, delegates from across Texas convened in the new town of

Washington; the president of the convention, Richard Ellis,

appointed a committee to draft a declaration of independence;

George Childress, the chair of the committee, is generally believed

to have drafted the document, quite possibly even before his

arrival; the U.S. Declaration of Independence served as its model;

and

WHEREAS, While conducting their work, the delegates received

regular reports from San Antonio, where Mexican General Antonio

López de Santa Anna's troops were laying siege to the Alamo; the

convention considered the 12-page declaration of independence on

March 2, and the motion to adopt was made by Sam Houston; and

WHEREAS, The delegates also approved a constitution for the

new Republic of Texas; in addition, they elected an interim

government led by David G. Burnet as president, with Lorenzo de

Zavala as vice president, Samuel P. Carson as secretary of state,

Thomas J. Rusk as secretary of war, Robert Potter as secretary of

the navy, Bailey Hardeman as secretary of the treasury, and David

Thomas as attorney general; and

WHEREAS, On March 15, the terrible news of the fall of the

Alamo reached the convention; two days later, delegates learned

that the Mexican army had advanced within 60 miles of Washington,

and they adjourned in great haste; just over a month later, though,

the Texans would win the Battle of San Jacinto, and the independence

of the Republic of Texas was truly secured; and

WHEREAS, The love of freedom is the founding principle of the

Lone Star State, and the signing of the Texas Declaration of

Independence on March 2, 1836, marked a turning point in a

fascinating history that continues to inspire people across the

country and around the world; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas

hereby commemorate the 190th anniversary of the establishment of

the Republic of Texas.