NATIONAL TEXAS DAY

In 2017, National Day Calendar® began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!

On February 1, National Texas Day recognizes the Lone Star State along with its fierce record of indepenence, people and history. The 28th state may not be the only state with a record of being a republic, but their dramatic revolution and fight for independence keep Texas history alive.

Legendary History and People

From the dictatorship of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the start of the Texas Revolution in 1835 to the Alamo in 1836, names like James Bowie, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and Juan Seguin echo throughout the state.

Many legends abound where Texas is concerned. According to the story, The Yellow Rose of Texas was a mulatto woman who distracted Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto allowing victory for the republic. Many credit a woman by the name of Emily West, but historians find little to no evidence. A statue by Veryl Goodnight stands in Houston.

During and after the Civil War, news traveled slowly. It took the arrival of Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, and his announcement with General Orders, Number 3 that the Civil War was over and all slaves were now freedmen for life to change in Galveston, Texas. Whether it required the military to enforce the new federal law or if news did truly travel slowly, June 19 became a celebration of culture and freedom called Juneteenth.

Technology and Landscape

Texas loves technology. Home to Johnson Space Center and more than one computer company that began as a startup, the Lone Star State wears its boots and labcoat at the same time. They’ve brought us the handheld calculator and 3-D printing as well as many medical advancements. And let’s not forget, Dr Pepper.

Whether traveling to the Gulf Coast, staying close to the panhandle which includes a patch of Route 66 or wandering the Great Plains, there’s plenty of Texas to see. Take in some history or explore the cities. Take a hike along the Palo Duro Canyon on the Red River or in Big Bend National Park.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALTEXASDAY

Discover something new about Texas. Join National Day Calendar as we explore the 28th state’s history, people and culture. Uncover hidden treasures and explore all Texas’ vast landscapes! Use #NationalTexasDay to share on social media.

For a complete list of Texas State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.

Battleship Texas State Historic Site – LaPorte

Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway – Quitaque

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area – Rocksprings

Franklin Mountains State Park – El Paso

Goose Island State Park – Rockport

Indian Lodge – Fort Davis

McKinney Falls State Park – Austin

Big Thicket Gateway – Lumberton

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument – Fritch

Big Bend National Park – Rio Grande

Padre Island National Seashore – Corpus Christi

Bullock Texas State History Museum – Austin

Texas Memorial Museum – Austin

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center – Austin

Perot Museum of Nature and Science – Dallas

African American Museum – Dallas

Kimbell Art Museum – Fort Worth

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum – Canyon

Houston Museum of Natural Science – Houston

San Jacinto Museum – Houston

Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam – Pearland

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame – Waco

Fort Concho – San Angelo

Fort Griffin State Historic Site – Albany

The Marfa Lights – Marfa

Gone with the Wind Museum – Cleburne

Jacob’s Well Natural Area – Hays County

Ms. Pearl the Squirrel – Cedar Creek

Juan Seguin - Political Figure - (October 27, 1806 - August 27, 1890)

Betrayal and humiliation defined Juan Seguin’s life. Despite his strong support of an independent Texas and his active role in the revolution, Sequin would be made to look like a traitor by the Mexican government. Even when allowed to return to his homeland in San Antonio, he would not remain long.

Scott Joplin - Composer - (November 24, 1868 - April 1, 1917)

Considered instrumental in the development of ragtime and jazz, Scott Joplin’s contributions to American music brought upbeat rhythms and memorable piano compositions. He was posthumously awarded a special Bicentennial Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music.

Wiley Post - Aviator - (November 22, 1898 - August 15, 1935)

In 1933, Wiley Post became the first man to fly around the world solo. He accomplished the feat in 7 days, 18 hours and 49 minutes. Post would also design a pressurized suit allowing him to fly his Lockheed Vega into the stratosphere. In 1935, his plane would crash in Alaska killing Post and his longtime friend, Will Rogers.

Dwight D. Eisenhower - President - (October 14, 1890 - March 28, 1969)

During World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower led Allied forces in Western Europe. He then served two terms as president during a relatively peaceful and prosperous era in the United States.

Bessie Coleman - Aviator - (January 26, 1892 -April 30, 1926)

Bessie Coleman was restricted from learning to fly because of the color of her skin. To become the first African-American woman to earn her pilots license, Coleman learned French and moved to France. In 1922, she gained her license and began a career barnstorming and stunt flying.

Howard Hughes - Businessman - (December 24, 1905 - April 5, 1976)

Howard Hughes became known for his aviation, manufacturing, movie production and investments. His success led to massive wealth and celebrity. While always eccentric, later in his life, Hughes became reclusive, never allowing anyone to see him.

Caro Crawford Brown - Journalist - (May 25, 1908 - August 5, 2001)

Caro Crawford Brown’s investigative reporting is credited with helping to end boss rule controlled by Archer Parr in Duval County and surrounding counties in Texas. In 1955, Caro earned a Pulitzer Prize for local reporting.

Lyndon B Johnson - President - (August 27, 1908 - January 22, 1973)

Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as president after the assignation of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Johnson’s administration pursued completion of the Civil Rights Act, declared “War on Poverty” and created the Medicare and Medicaid programs. U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War steadily increased under Johnsons watch.

Denton Cooley - Surgeon - (August 22, 1920 - November 2016)

In 1968, Denton Cooley performed the first successful U.S. human heart transplant. Cooley also implanted the first artificial heart into a human.

Otis Boykin - Inventor - August 29, 1920 - March 13, 1982)

Otis Boykin’s interest in resistors helped to advance electronic components in many fields. His advancements found demands in both consumer and military applications. Boykin’s greatest innovation was the control unit for the pacemaker.

Sandra Day O'Conner - Supreme Court Justice (March 26, 1930)

In 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman Chief Justice on the Supreme Court. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan, O’Connor received unanimous approval.

Willie Nelson - Musician - (April 29, 1933 - )

Willie Nelson’s music spans more than five decades. From Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain and Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys to well-received acting performances, Nelson had a reputation as an outlaw country musician while raising money for Farm Aid and other charitable causes.

Larry McMurtry - Author - (June 3, 1936 - )

Author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry’s works have been adapted to film. His gritty westerns weave lore, legend and history into vivid landscapes and colorful characters.

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