San Jacinto Symposium - Expanding the Horizons of Texas History

This year's San Jacinto Symposium will be on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University Hilton an the University of Houston campus.

This year's program will feature:

Steve Harrington, author of The Gates of the Alamo, a New York Times best-seller and winner of the Spur Award for the Best Novel of the West, and Comanche Midnight. Mr. Harrington's presentation will be "Historical Fact, Historical Fiction: Early Texas Through a Novelist's Eyes."

Drenna Belden, from the University of North Texas, will "Explore the Texas Revolution Online Through the Portal to Texas History" as she demonstrates this new digital gateway to the collections of some seventy museums, libraries and universities. The Portal is sponsored by the University of North Texas. Belden is coordinator of grants and development at the UNT libraries.

Betsy Davis, ties to--and unbounded passion for--the history of Texas and the revolution have made her one of the state's best fourth grade school teachers. Her ability to bring history to life for her students has won awards from the Austin Historical Society and the Austin Federation of Teachers. Her topic: "Making History Personal."

Stuart Reid, author of The Secret War for Texas, a recent book about British agent James Grant and the Texas Revolution will place the Texas Revolution into the context of the "great game" played out during the first half of the nineteenth century between Washington and London over mastery of the North American continent. Reid, a Scot and author of The Secret War for Texas (Texas A&M University Press, 2007), is the great-great-great grandson of his book's protagonist, Dr. James Grant.

Miguel Angel Gonzales Quiroga, of the U.A. De Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico, will discuss "Commonality and Conflict: Northeast Mexico and the Texas Revolution and Republic, 1835-1845.


The cost of the symposium is $45, which includes lunch and free parking in the Hilton garage. Registrations may be made by check to Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground, P.O. Box 940536, Houston, TX 77094-7536. Payments should be made by April 11. After April 11, the registration fee will be $50, based on availability.


Photograph: San Jacinto Monument; Courtesy of David Melasky.

100th Anniversary Party Albert Sidney Johnston Camp

On March 11th 1908 the Albert Sidney Johnston Camp 67, was chartered by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. One hundred years later we are still here and celebrating. Don't miss this special event honoring our Camp and Southern Ancestors. Rally and celebrate the centennial.

The 100th Anniversary Party
Albert Sidney Johnston Camp 67
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Saturday; March 8, 2008
2-6 PM
Big Woodrow's
3111 Chimney Rock (Chimney Rock & Richmond)
$20 per Person (dinner) & Cash Bar
Live Southern Music

Menu includes- Louisiana Boiled Crawfish, Gumbo, Red beans and Rice. Platters of assorted Seafood Appetizers, Buffalo wings, Chicken nuggets, Onion Rings and Confederate Fries.

We will eat, drink, and be merry, politically incorrect yet good natured and polite.

RSVP to Bryan Fox @

bnfox@swbell.net
or
713.914.0124

Photograph: Confederates Volley Fire; "© Steve Estvanik | Dreamstime.com"

Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas State Flag

The pledge of allegiance to the Lone Star Flag has evolved over time. The Texas legislature passed a law in 1933 which provided the rules for the proper display of the Texas Flag and establishing a pledge to the flag: "Honor the Texas Flag of 1836; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one and indivisible." The original pledge mistakenly referred to the 1836 Texas flag. The Lone Star Flag of Texas dates from 1839, not from 1836. Amazingly, the words "of 1836" were not deleted by the legislature until 1965. For 42 years the pledge of allegiance to the Texas Flag was:

"Honor the Texas Flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one and indivisible."

This is no longer the pledge of allegiance to the Texas Flag. During the 80th Legislature, the pledge of allegiance to the Texas Flag was amended by House Bill 1034 with the addition of the line "one state under God." The revised wording was signed into law by Governor Rick Perry on June 15, 2007 and became effective immediately. To see the legislative history of House Bill 1034, click here.

The new pledge of allegiance to the Texas Flag is:

"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible."



Image: Flag of the State of Texas "© Martin Bangemann | Dreamstime.com"

Texas Independence Festival Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, March 1–2, 2008

A free two-day festival on March 1-2 will celebrate the 172nd anniversary of Texas' declaration of independence from Mexico. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The annual event at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site commemorates the signing of the Texas' declaration by 59 men elected by citizens of each municipality in Texas, who convened here March 2, 1836, in a drafty, timber building atop a Brazos River bluff as war clouds loomed.

Members of the Texas Army, skilled craftsmen, talented musicians and costumed re-enactors, portraying such Texian heroes as Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin and Anson Jones, will be on-hand at the 293-acre park to bring the Republic of Texas era to life.

"Washington-on-the-Brazos has seen many changes since independence was declared here in March 1836," said Bill Irwin, historic site superintendent. "Most recently, additional park staff has been hired to better tell Texas' story. As Texans, we are all proud to be involved in preserving our Texas heritage."

As in past years, highlighting the two-day festival will be a ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday featuring several Texas heroes and invited special guests and a performance of "Once Upon A Time in Texas" by Texas troubadour Brian Burns. The cutting of a Texas-sized birthday cake will follow.

Washington-on-the-Brazos features three attractions open year-round: Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington History Farm. All admission fees are waived during the festival weekend. Vendors will be selling food and drinks.

A new exhibit — "Audubon's Creations: His Texas Legacy" — will open Saturday at the Star of the Republic Museum. On display will be world-renowned artist John James Audubon's collection of mammal engravings, including the Texian Hare, Red Texan Wolf, Texan Skunk, which were drawn from specimens collected by Audubon and his party during their visits to Texas in the 1830s and 1840s.

Photos Texas Independence Day Celebration and Chili Cook Off

Sunday, February 24, 2008, at the Log House, 1510 North MacGregor in Houston, Texas, the San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and Children of the Republic of Texas celebrated Texas Independence Day with the Texian Army and Sons of the Republic of Texas with a Living History Festival along with a Flag Retirement Ceremony.

Dale Williamson with the Sons of the Republic of Texas presented Tom Green's display of flags that have flown over Texas. Texas blacksmith Larry Hoff was present to demonstrate this ancient skill and Edwin Erwin was on hand to sign Mexican Land Grants for children. The Houston Dulcimer Society performed throughout the afternoon. The Texian Army in conjunction with the Sons of the Republic of Texas was present for a reading of William Barrett Travis' "Liberty or Death" letter and assisted with the retirement of a Texas Lone Star Flag by the Children of the Republic of Texas. Many came dressed Texas period attire.

Prizes were awarded for: Best Authentic Texian Chili, Best Deer Meat Chili, Best Armadillo Style Chili, Best Roadkill chili, Best Trailrider's Chili, Best Rattlesnake Chili, Best Red hot Chili Pepper Chili, Best Possum chili, Best Squirrel Chili, Best Texas Cowboy Chili and more. Hope to see you there next year.

All photographs are courtesy of Mr. Dale Williamson. Thank you Dale. Click pictures to enlarge.

March 2, 2008 Lone Star Flag Event in Montgomery, Texas

John Homman, President of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas in Montgomery County provides the following information:

On March 2, 2008 at 10:00 am, the members of Honea Baptist Church are joining with the Montgomery Historical Society and the Sons of the Republic to call attention to, and celebrate, the birth and birthplace of our LONE STAR FLAG OF TEXAS. Our plans are that this is to be the first (1st) annual event to commemorate the flag and our love for this, the greatest state, of mind or place to be living.

We salute the previous, and on-going, efforts of those two (2) groups (listed above) of dedicated volunteers, and their great strides to provide the historical marker located on FM 2854, near Highway 105. Those efforts have gone a long way in the placement of the marker and the flag pole. The flag pole stands without a Lone Star Flag, due to the fact that no lighting has, at this time, been provided. These groups need and deserve support from all Texans to see to it that the flag proudly flies over that marker and in our great county.

That flag was designed right here in the historic Montgomery County by Colonel Charles Bellinger Stewart, who also was the first signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The Texas flag has been described as the most recognizable flag, second (2nd) only to the flag of the United States of America, all over the world.

Our area is attracting new neighbors every day and we want them to share this heritage and know why Texans are a proud group of people.

Part of our celebration will include a presentation of a replica of that original Lone Star Flag, made by a local Montgomery, Texas artisan, to the Lone Star Elementary School, as part of our efforts to educate the students, friends and parents of our community of the patriotism that acquired and has insured our liberties. State Representative Brandon Crighton has agreed to participate in the celebration and will attend as the presenter of that flag.

There could be no such thing as a celebration of anything in a Texas Baptist Church without eating and this get together comes with the promise of barbecue and all the needed trimmings.

This is your opportunity to show your Texas Spirit…we will salute the flag of our former nation, our State and celebrate our Hope….

March 2, 2008
10:00 AM
Honea Baptist Church
Location: 16430 FM 2854
Montgomery, Texas 77316
936-588-1260

Image: Lone Star "© Neonriver | Dreamstime.com"

New Depository Agreement for Sam Houston Templar Sword

February 12, 2008, President General, Dick Reese KSJ, and Charlie Briggs KSJ, Knight Commander of the Knights of the Order of San Jacinto along with the director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and officials from Sam Houston State University held the ceremonial signing of the new depository agreement providing for the loan of Sam Houston's Knights Templar Masonic Sword to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum in Huntsville, Texas. The depository agreement provides for the continuous, public display of this priceless piece of Texas history.

Genealogy and Family History Fair

Saturday, February 23, 2008, the Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 of the Sons of the American Revolution will host a free Genealogy and Family History Fair between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm at the Sugar Land Community Center at 226 Matlage Way in Sugar Land, Texas. This will be an opportunity for anyone interested in researching your family history/family tree to learn a little bit more on how to go about it.

Genealogical societies, historical and patriotic organizations, museums, research facilities, genealogical and historical vendors, and others are offering an educational opportunity to share available information with the amateur to expert genealogist or family history researcher. A few of the organizations which you will see include: CAR, Cherokee Indian Society., C of C, DAR, DCV, DRT, F B Museum, George Ranch, Houston Gen Forum, Jamestown Society, Museum of Southern History, San Jacinto Descendants, SAR, SCV, SRC and UDC.

All organizations at the Fair encourage children to learn about their family history and to start documenting it now. Students are studying about genealogy in school, Scout organizations provide badges for it, historical organizations offer contests and scholarships to promote it. The Genealogy Fair is a great place to bring your children to expose them to history and for you to teach them about their heritage.

At 11:00 am Harriet Rasmussen will speak on the topic of Uncovering Your Family Tree for beginner and intermediate researchers. At 12:30, Jennifer Salge and Shelby Salge will present a children's program entitled How Do I Start My Family Tree. At 2:00 pm, Eron Tynes will present a program entitled From the Alamo to San Jacinto - What it really means to be a Texan. Local authors, Emily Croom and Jeffrey Murrah, will be on hand to sign copies of their books.

Again, the public admission price is right - FREE!! For more information about the Genealogy Fair, contact Lance Salge at 832-248-0875 or salge@texas.net


"© Photographer: Robyn Mackenzie | Agency: Dreamstime.com"

Texas Independence Day Celebration to be Held on Steps of the Houston City Hall

On March 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. the San Jacinto and Sam Houston Chapters of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and the San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas are co-sponsoring a ceremony on the steps of the Houston City Hall (901 Bagby, Houston, Texas) with the City of Houston, to commemorate the 172^nd anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

The Mayor of Houston, Bill White will begin the program by welcoming everyone and reading a proclamation. Officials of the Sons and Daughters of The Republic of Texas will be speaking about the impact the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence had in shaping modern day Texas. We will conclude the ceremony by toasting those brave men who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence with good old Texas water.

Recognized by statute as an official state holiday, Texas Independence Day originally began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the 54 delegates to the Convention that met at Washington-on-the-Brazos beginning on March 1, 1836. On the first day, Convention President, Richard Ellis, appointed a committee composed of George C. Childress, James Gaines, Edward Conrad, Collin McKinney, and Bailey Hardeman to draft a declaration of independence.

George Childress, the committee chairman, is generally accepted as the author of the Republic of Texas Declaration of Independence, with little help from the other committee members. Since the six-page document was submitted for a vote of the whole convention on the following day, Childress probably already had a draft version of the document with him when he arrived. As the delegates worked, they received regular reports on the ongoing siege on the Alamo by the forces of General Santa Anna's troops.

A free and independent Republic of Texas was officially declared March 2, 1836, when the 54 delegates—each representing one of the settlements in TexasR12;signing the Texas Declaration of Independence, and 6 others signing later. After the delegates signed the original declaration, 5 copies were made and dispatched to the designated Texas towns of Bexar, Goliad, Nacogdoches, Brazoria, and San Felipe, and 1,000 copies were ordered printed in handbill form.

The Sons of the Republic of Texas and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas are 501(c)(3) organizations whose missions are to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the people who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas and to encourage historical research into the earliest records of Texas, especially those relating to the revolutionary and republic periods. The SRT and DRT encourage the preservation of documents and relics, the publication of historical records and narratives, and the celebration of important days in the state’s history. They also encourage the teaching of Texas history in schools and sponsor numerous scholarships. Everyone is invited to join us at 11:00a.m. on the front steps of the Houston City Hall to honor those brave men who took that first important step toward making Texas what it is today! For additional details about the celebration, please contact Event Chairman, Tom Green, KSJ at 281-922-1118.


Photograph: Houston with Texan Flag © Photographer: Stephen Finn | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Texas Independence Day Celebration & Chili Cookoff

Come join the San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and Children of the Republic of Texas as they celebrate Texas Independence Day with the Texian Army and Sons of the Republic of Texas on Sunday, February 24, 2008, at 2:00 pm at the Log House, 1510 North MacGregor, Houston, Texas. It will be a Living History Festival along with a Flag Retirement Ceremony.

Tom Green with the Sons of the Republic of Texas will be there to display Texas Flags, along with Larry Hoff, Blacksmith, and Edwin Erwin will be on hand to sign Land Grants. The Texian Army in conjunction with the Sons of the Republic of Texas will present the reading of William Barrett Travis' "Liberty or Death" letter. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 per child under 16. Please feel free to come in period dress of your favorite Texana.

It is time to dig out Uncle Bob's old chili recipe and start chopping those red hot chili peppers. Prizes will be given for : Best Authentic Texian Chili, Best Deer Meat Chili, Best Armadillo Style Chili, Best Roadkill chili, Best Trailrider's Chili, Best Rattlesnake Chili, Best Red hot Chili Pepper Chili, Best Possum chili, Best Squirrel Chili and more. Come see how many you can win.

If you are interested in having a Chili Team, please contact Eron Tynes @ 281-820-0676.


Photograph: Red Chilis" © Photographer: Niko Fagerström | Agency: Dreamstime.com"