TEXAS — It’s been 186 years since Texans fought to gain their independence from Mexico. On March 2, 1836, Texas Independence Day, delegates signed the Texas Declaration of Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

From that day forward, Texans took a stand against the Mexican government to become a sovereign republic, led by interim-President David G. Burnet until the election of President Sam Houston later that year.

A revolution erupted as battles broke out, the most memorable one lasting for 13 days at the Alamo. Texans sacrificed their lives to defend its republic. General Sam Houston and his Texan forces soon found victory over Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

"The vision of freedom set down by our founders in the Texas Declaration of Independence lives on in the indomitable Texas spirit today," said Governor Abbott. "As we continue to build a 21st-century Texas, we must always remember how the sacrifices of past generations helped create a future for the next. At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about, reflect on, and take pride in our state’s unique origins and rich history."

For nine years Texas remained a republic, but an 1845 annexation by the U.S. made it the 28th state admitted to the Union.