TEXAS – If you attended secondary school in Texas, you probably know all about Texas Independence Day. However, if you’re a recent transplant, the celebration might be a bit of a mystery to you.

Tuesday, March 2 marks 185 years since a handwritten document proclaimed Texas free of rule by Mexico.

The Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836 was signed by 59 delegates.

Following that, settlers broke away and formed the Republic of Texas. Originally led by David G. Burnet, Sam Houston was later elected president.

Texas remained a republic until being annexed by the United States nine years later.

Texas Independence Day is not an official state holiday but instead a “partial staffing holiday,” meaning state offices are required to open but with reduced staffing.