It was March 2, 1836, when 59 delegates signed a document that declared the Republic of Texas was free and independent of Mexico.
The Texas declaration was similar to the 1776 American document, containing a statement of the nature of government, listing grievances and ultimately declaring independence.
Five copies were written and sent to major towns around the state and 1,000 more were ordered printed and distributed.
Texas became the 28th U.S. State in 1845.
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