Texas Independence Day 2010: History, Facts About Holiday, Events

Texas Independence Day 2010 commemorates the historic event 174 years ago on March 2, 1836, the day Texas gained its independence from Mexico.

Most are familiar with the Declaration of Independence, but not all know that Texas had its own Declaration of Independence, signed on March 2, 1836, declaring Texas its own republic.

Inspired by the 1776 declaration, the Texas document claimed Mexico had "ceased to protect the lives, liberty, and property of the people" and committed "arbitrary acts of oppression and tyranny."

Nine years later in 1845, Texas became the United States' 28th state.

Texans are celebrating today in a variety of ways. The Web site "Celebrate Texas" contains multiple events being held for Texas Independence Day 2010.

Today is also Primary Day in Texas, with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson facing off with Gov. Rick Perry for Texas Governor.

Texans looking for local Texas Independence Day events near them are advised to check local media listings. News 8 Austin has this roundup of Austin area events.