Happy 179th birthday, Texas! After all these years, you're still as beautiful as ever.

On March 2, 1836, Texas' Declaration of Independence was signed by 59 delegates of the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos. The Declaration, penned by George C. Childress with input from four other committee members, charged that the government of Mexico had failed to protect the lives, liberty, and property of the people of Texas, and had forced unjust laws on the people through military action. It also boldly charged that the government had "exhibited every characteristic of a weak, corrupt, and tyrannical government".

Although the Texas Revolution had really started in Gonzales on October 2, 1835, this was the first time that delegates came together to draft an official document to list grievances against the Mexican government and declare that Texas' separation was natural and inevitable. It came just three days before General Antonio López de Santa Anna led a final assault against the defenders of the Alamo.

On March 4, Sam Houston was appointed commander of all armed forces in Texas. On April 21, 1836, Houston and his forces defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto and took him prisoner the next day.

Today, we celebrate Texas' fight for independence and all the things that make ours the best state to call home.

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