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!
NATIONAL TEXAS DAY
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.
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
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)
Scott Joplin - Composer - (November 24, 1868 - April 1, 1917)
Wiley Post - Aviator - (November 22, 1898 - August 15, 1935)
Dwight D. Eisenhower - President - (October 14, 1890 - March 28, 1969)
Bessie Coleman - Aviator - (January 26, 1892 -April 30, 1926)
Howard Hughes - Businessman - (December 24, 1905 - April 5, 1976)
Caro Crawford Brown - Journalist - (May 25, 1908 - August 5, 2001)
Lyndon B Johnson - President - (August 27, 1908 - January 22, 1973)
Denton Cooley - Surgeon - (August 22, 1920 - November 2016)
Otis Boykin - Inventor - August 29, 1920 - March 13, 1982)
Sandra Day O'Conner - Supreme Court Justice (March 26, 1930)
Willie Nelson - Musician - (April 29, 1933 - )
Larry McMurtry - Author - (June 3, 1936 - )
There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!