The Texas Historical Commission (THC) state historic sites have arranged several free, family-friendly opportunities to celebrate the Texas Revolution of 1836.   

On March 2, 1836, 59 delegates from across Texas gathered in Washington-on-the-Brazos to declare independence from Mexico and sign the official Texas Declaration of Independence. This act is only one of many legendary stories and heroes that span far beyond the Lone Star State. 

March alongside costumed reenactors Feb. 25 and 26 during the annual Texas Independence Day Celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site! All visitors can explore the Texas Army camp for free to see demonstrations and experience how Texas soldiers and their families lived in 1836. There will be live music, food, musket and cannon firings, living history presentations and so much more! Take a look at the full event schedule here.  

March 1836 marks the anniversary of many iconic battles across the state that shaped the Texas spirit as it is today. Fannin Battleground State Historic Site is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Fannin, Texas, just a few miles away from Goliad. Visitors can walk the grounds and view the impressive stone obelisk that honors the spot where Col. James W. Fannin surrendered to Mexican forces, taking a moment to remember the men who helped forge Texas’ destiny.  

Join Presidio La Bahía State Historic Site on March 24 and 25 for their annual Goliad Massacre Living History Program. Experience reenactments of the events that took place leading up to the Texian departure from Presidio La Bahía, aka Ft. Defiance. The final battle of the day recreates the fighting on Coleto Creek and culminates with the Texian surrender and their march as prisoners back into the fort. 

On April 1, Fire on the Brazos: The Fall of San Felipe de Austin will take visitors on an in-depth journey through the events in 1836 that led to the fall of San Felipe de Austin, the colony headquarters established by Stephen F. Austin in Mexican Texas. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can experience reenactments of the Runaway Scrape, when colonists were forced to abandon their own homes and businesses in Texas’ economic, social, and political center of the 1820s and 1830s.   

And on April 22, the iconic Battle of San Jacinto will be commemorated with reenactments, food, games, and fun at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will interact with reenactors as they cook, check weapons, and engage in the typical daily routine of soldiers and civilians from nearly 200 years ago.   

Select THC sites now offer free “passports” for visitors to follow in the journey to Texas’ independence, revolution, and republic-era state historic sites. Interested parties can collect stamps from participating sites’ admission desks or museum stores, and if you collect all of the stamps, a very special gift will be waiting for you at the museum store.   

About the Texas Historical Commission    

The THC manages 36 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, the Texas Main Street Program, and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state. For more information, visit thc.texas.gov.