Brown County Historical Commission hosted a celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Declaration of Texas Independence Wednesday, March 2nd on the south lawn of the Brown County Courthouse.
A crowd of nearly 50 people participated in Texas history today in Brown County by celebrating the 175th anniversary of Texas proclaiming its independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836.
Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes welcomed the crowd and spoke of Texas’ Independence.
“We as Texans are one of the few states in America who still celebrate and maintain their independence,” stated Haynes. “I am proud to be a Texan and am proud to be a Texan in Brown County.”
County Judge Ray West also spoke, giving a little history of the times, the fight for Texas Independence and also a little history about Brown County.
“Excluding Indians and slaves, there were only about 30,000 people in Texas at this time,” stated West. “Today we have more than 30,000 people in Brown County alone.”
West continued noting that the first survey in Brown County was completed in 1838 and it was not until 1856 that legislation was passed regarding the formation of Brown County. Brownwood became the county seat in 1858.
Early Mayor, Dr. Bob Mangrum (also a professor at Howard Payne University) read the Texas Declaration of Independence. In the declaration, words of the function and responsibility of government followed by a list of grievances are concluded by members of the delegation declaring Texas a free and independent republic.
Some in attendance showed their Texan pride by wearing scarves, ties and shirts of a Texas theme. The ceremony ended with the traditional toast to Texas led by Elaine Dippel, President of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
Please see photos of the event below:
Ronnie Lappe, Brown County Historical Commission
Tom Denison, VFW Post 3278, leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Stephen Haynes Welcomes those in attendance.
County Judge Ray West helps welcome everyone and provides a bit of Texas and Brown County history.
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Dr. Charles Mangrum, Mayor of Early and HPU professor, read the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Everyone is given “sparkling water” for the traditional Toast to Texas.
Elaine Dippel, President of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas leads the Toast to Texas.