Thousands gathered at the Washington-on-the-Bravos Historic Site Saturday to celebrate Texas Independence Day.

On March 2, 1836, 59 delegates signed the Texas Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall on the the 293-acre site, and declared the state’s sovereignty from Mexico. A replica of the building currently stands on the park, whose slogan reads “where Texas became Texas,” and is open to visitors.

Members of the Texas Army, a reenactment group, and other fans of history, spent the weekend at the park partaking in events about the Texas Revolution to impart their knowledge of the state’s history on attendees to the festivities.

Texas politicians recognized 178 years of Texas independence this week. U.S. State Senator John Corynyn read Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis’ letter before the Battle of the Alamo on the Senate floor in honor of the Independence Day.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve 26 million Americans that call Texas home because of the sacrifices made by these brave patriots 178 years ago. May we always remember the Alamo and may God continue to bless Texas and these United States,” said Senator Corynyn.

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz released a statement to commemorate the landmark date:

“The same love of ‘life, liberty, and property of the people’ that spurred the Texans at the Alamo and throughout the Revolution still lives in each Texan today. They fought for it. They died for it. We owe it to their sacrifice to carry the torch of freedom for future generations. And we will,” said Senator Cruz.

“Keep that resolve strong and when anyone threatens our liberties, proudly say, as only a Texan can, ‘come and take it!'” Senator Cruz said.

Image via Wikipedia Commons