The Daughters of the Republic of Texas

06/23/2026

The Texas Revolution of 1819 as related by Ben Friberg:

The Texas Revolution of 1835-36 wasn't the first time rebellion and a wannabe republic reared its head in the land of Texas. It proved to be a tempting blank slate for creating one’s own personal empire if you had the blood and guts to do it.

On this day back in 1819, Dr. James Long and a band of his fellow filibusters declared Independence from Spain within the Spanish territory of Tejas. Long and his compadres had been none too pleased with the recent Adams-Onis treaty. You see, the borders of Spanish Texas and the United States had been the source of great consternation ever since the Louisiana Purchase, with quite a few Americans believing Texas should have been considered a part of the Thomas Jefferson’s greatest executive feat.

Without getting into too much of the political minutia, the much-debated border of Spanish Texas was fixed at the Sabine and in turn, Spain ceded Florida into the eager lap of the United States. Long and his friends were infuriated by the Spain keeping so much of Texas – as he believed most of the region should have been ours to begin with.

So, he and his filibustering friends took Nacogdoches and declared Texas a Republic, hoping that he would gain the support of Mexican insurgents still trying to throw off the chains of Spain in the ever-simmering Mexican Revolution. He also likely had the secret support of General Andrew Jackson, though the official US position was one of neutrality at this point now that they got Spanish Florida. On June 23, 1819, this new republic of Texas was declared.

Here's the Declaration:

Declaration by the Supreme Council of the Province of Texas.

As all Governments were originally established by the will of the people for the benefit of society, whenever the existing Government, in any community, fails to effect the purposes for which it was instituted, it is competent to the community at large to rescind its express or tacit allegiance to the ruling power, and to organize a new constitution and form of government, more consistent with its interests, and more consonant with its feelings.

In exercising this unquestionable right, an independent people have only to consult their own discretion. But, though amenable to no tribunal for its municipal acts, a free state, in claiming admission to the immunity of nations, owes of itself an exposition of the motives which have prompted it to the assertion of its rights, as well as of the principles which it assumes to vindicate.

The citizens of Texas have long indulged the hope, that in the adjustment of the boundaries of the Spanish possessions in America, and of the territories of the United States, that they should be included within the limits of the latter. The claims of the United States, long and strenuously urged, encouraged the hope. An expectation so flattering prevented any effectual effort to throw off the yoke of Spanish authority, though it could not restrain some ineffectual rebellions against an odious tyranny.

The recent treaty between Spain and the United States of America has dissipated an illusion too long fondly cherished, and has roused the citizens of Texas from [the] torpor to which a fancied security had lulled them. They have seen themselves, by a convention to which they were no party, literally abandoned to the dominion of the crown of Spain and left a prey not only to impositions already intolerable, but to all those exactions which Spanish rapacity is fertile in devising.

The citizens of Texas would have proved themselves unworthy of the age in which they live, unworthy of their ancestry, of the kindred of the republics of the American continent, could they have hesitated in this emergency what course to pursue. Spurning the fetters of colonial vassalage, disdaining to submit to the most atrocious despotism that ever disgraced the annals of Europe, they have resolved under the blessing of God to be free.

By this magnanimous resolution, the maintenance of which their lives and fortunes are pledged, they secure to themselves an elective and representative government, equal laws and the faithful administration of justice, the rights of conscience, and religious liberty, the freedom of the press, the advantage of liberal education, and unrestricted commercial in*******se with all the world.

Animated by a just confidence in the goodness of their cause, and stimulated by the high object to be obtained by the contest, they have prepared themselves unshrinkingly to meet and firmly to sustain any conflict in which this declaration may involve them. Done at Nacogdoches, the 23rd day of June, in the year of our Lord 1819.

James Long, President of the Supreme Council

As you can see, it’s very American in nature and quite reminiscent of our own Declaration.

Long was declared President of the Republic and leader of their army, such as it was. He next reached out to the famed Jean Lafitte, piratical prince of Galveston Island for support. Lafitte didn’t commit much and, in fact, secretly informed Spain of Long’s military plans which he had foolishly shared with the devious pirate leader. Spanish forces quickly drove Long and his “army” from east Texas.

But Long wouldn’t give up his dream. He would return to Texas for a second stab at revolution, this time bringing his wife, the legendary Jane Long, the future “mother of Texas.” But that’s a tale for another day.

Below is the flag flown by the Long Expedition and I suppose could be added to the roster of the many flags that have flown over Texas at one time or another.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day from the Daughters!

06/19/2026

The last of the Spanish missions to be built in Texas…

06/19/2026

Congratulations, Emily Baucum! We thank you for your creative and continuing contribution in support of Texas history.

The San Antonio Current:
The Alamo’s podcast, Stories Bigger Than Texas, has won a prestigious award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for making history accessible to a broad audience.

The AASLH presented Stories Bigger Than Texas with its 2026 Award of Excellence, the organization’s most prestigious annual honor.

The recognition comes as the historic battle site undergoes an ambitious $700 million redevelopment designed to preserve and restore its structures while adding a visitor center and museum.

Since launching in September 2023, Stories Bigger Than Texas has released nearly 140 episodes documenting the ongoing evolution of the 300-year-old landmark. Rather than focusing solely on the Battle of 1836, the episodes track the progression of the Alamo Plan as well as newly acquired artifacts.

Winning an AASLH award requires a demonstration of scholarly credentials, expert reviews, community impact and proven efforts to make history accessible, according to the group. Being able to reach a global audience beyond visitors to the historic site. boosted the audio show’s award chances.

“The audio storytelling possibilities of a podcast are endless,” said Alamo Associate Director of Public Relations Emily Baucum, who also hosts the podcast. “The Alamo’s team of experts, as well as outside experts, can share history in longer-form interviews and weave together how history is connected. We are reaching people where they are – Texas, and all around the world.”

The audio format allows the site to break down traditional museum barriers and reach a massive, dedicated following, Baucum added. With the help of experts from the Texas Historical Commission, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Texas Center at Schreiner University, topics aren’t in short supply.

Baucum noted that listeners have tuned in from six continents and nearly 120 countries, creating a community of history enthusiasts. The show also serves as a source of updates on ongoing construction news along with new archaeological discoveries. We want the listeners to be ‘in-the-know’ about the Alamo Plan, feel part of the process and be inspired to visit and see what’s new in person,” Baucum said.

As the Alamo’s physical plan continues to progress, the global reach of the audio show ensures the site’s historic legacy is preserved beyond its physical boundaries. With newly released episodes dropping each week on platforms like YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, the face of Texas liberty is proving its narrative is bigger than the Lone Star State itself.

06/19/2026

Sharing a photo & a brief story from “The Portal to Texas History.” Many of us use “The Portal..” for research & sometimes for just fun reading. So, thank you to all of you North Texas researchers for use of your portal!

Today is June 19th, Juneteenth is commemorated across Texas as a celebration on this day to remember the end of slavery in the United States and the announcement of emancipation in Texas in 1865. By the early 1900s, communities across the state held public gatherings that often-included music, parades and other social celebrations reflecting both remembrance and culture expression. A 1900 photograph shows an Emancipation Day celebration band, capturing the importance of music and public gathering in early celebrations of freedom and current celebrations as well. This image, from the Austin History Center and Austin public library, is preserved on the Portal to Texas History.

bit.ly/4uCX0uJ

06/18/2026

Texas Observes Juneteenth:
Published by the Texas State Library & Archives Commission

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, is the name given to Emancipation Day by African Americans in Texas. On that day in 1865 Union Major-General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 to the people of Galveston. It stated:

"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."

Image attached:Image of the Order text: General Orders, No. 3. U.S. House, 54th Congress, 1st Session (H. Doc. 369, Part 2). “General Order Number 3,” 1896. U.S. Documents Collection. Y 1.1/2: SERIAL 3437

Celebrations on June 19 began in 1866 and continued regularly into the early 20th century. African Americans treated this day like the Fourth of July, and the celebrations contained similar events. In the early days, Juneteenth celebrations included a prayer service, speakers with inspirational messages, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, stories from former slaves, food, red soda water, games, rodeos, and dances.

The celebration of June 19 as Emancipation Day spread from Texas to the neighboring states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It also appeared in Alabama, Florida, and California as African American Texans migrated.

In many parts of Texas, freedmen and women purchased land, or "emancipation grounds," for Juneteenth gatherings. Examples include: Emancipation Park in Houston, purchased in 1872; what is now Booker T. Washington Park in Mexia; and Emancipation Park in Austin.

Celebration of Juneteenth declined during World War II but returned in 1950 at the Texas State Fair Grounds in Dallas. Interest and participation fell away during the late 1950s and 1960s as attention focused on expansion of freedom for African Americans. In the 1970s Juneteenth revived in some communities. For example, in Austin the Juneteenth celebration returned in 1976 after a 25-year hiatus. Texas House Bill 1016 passed in the 66th Legislature, Regular Session, declared June 19, "Emancipation Day in Texas," a legal state holiday effective starting in 1980. Since that time, the celebration of Juneteenth continues across the state of Texas with parades, picnics, and dancing. Find out more at the Juneteenth article in the Handbook of Texas from the Texas State Historical Association.

On Thursday, June 17, 2021, after unanimous passage in the United States Senate and subsequent passage in the House, President Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Many states, including Texas, have long recognized Juneteenth, but only some observe it as an official holiday. This bill makes Juneteenth a national holiday.

06/17/2026

Today, thr DRT Library window in the Bexar County Archives became ready for America 250! Mario Berrera, Bexar County employee, volunteered to help us-
Our window reflects the help from the residents of now Texas, then new Spain, gave to the American Revolution. These residents under Bernardo Galvez trailed cattle to Louisiana & Florida for the revolutionaries, & stayed to fight. Money was raised for the cause & careful accounting by the Spanish government tells us today who donated & who fought for American freedom. The names of the Spanish Patriots who aided the American Revolution can be found on a large monument located in the Texas State cemetery in Austin, Texas.
My thanks to both Anthony Delgado & Irene Roberts, both members of CIDA*, for their help with information & posters.
* Canary Islander Descendants Association

06/17/2026

Bernardo de Galvez
Written by Robert Thonoff for TSHA.

Bernardo Vicente Apolinar de Galvez y Madrid, commonly referred to Bernardo de Galvez. Galvez was born July 23, 1746 in the province of Malaga, Spain.
Acting upon the directives that Spain's King Carlos III issued in December 1776, Gálvez aided the American patriots in several ways. He corresponded directly with Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and Charles Henry Lee; personally received their emissaries, Oliver Po***ck and Capt. George Gibson; and responded to their pleas by enforcing strict regulations of the New Orleans port so that only American, Spanish, and French ships could move up and down the Mississippi River. A great amount of arms, ammunition, military supplies, and money was delivered via the river to the embattled American forces under George Washington and George Rogers Clark. Spain formally declared war against Great Britain on June 21, 1779, and King Carlos III commissioned Gálvez to raise a force of men and conduct a campaign against the British along the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast. To feed the troops engaged in war against the British, Gálvez provisioned sufficient cattle in Louisiana according to documents of the Spanish Contador/Intendant Félix Navarro. Additionally, in June 1779 Gálvez negotiated with Texas governor Domingo y Robles to grant permission to allow 2,000 head of cattle to be driven to Louisiana presumably for the war effort. Records indicate that cattle were purchased from ranches connected to missions, and New Orleans warehouse records of 1780 indicate that at least some cattle arrived in Louisiana.

Departing New Orleans in late August 1779, Gálvez commanded 1,427 men consisting of soldiers, militia, American Indians, Americans, free Blacks, and Acadians. This army defeated the British in battles at Fort Bute in Bayou Manchac on September 6 and Fort New Richmond in Baton Rouge on September 21. Fort Panmure in Natchez surrendered without a shot fired. On March 14, 1780, after a month-long siege with land and sea forces, Gálvez, with more than 2,000 men, captured the British stronghold of Fort Charlotte at Mobile. The climax of the Gulf Coast campaign occurred the following year when Gálvez directed a joint land-sea attack on Fort George in Pensacola, the British capital of West Florida. He commanded more than 7,000 men in the two-month siege of the fort before its capture on May 10, 1781. On May 8, 1782, Gálvez's Spanish forces captured the British naval base at New Providence in the Bahamas. He was preparing a military campaign against Jamaica when peace negotiations ended the war.

In September 1783 General Gálvez, accompanied by his wife, the former Marie Felice de Saint-Maxent d'Estrehan of New Orleans, and two infant children, returned to Spain. In October 1784 he was recalled to America to serve as captain-general and governor of Cuba. Early in 1785 he was appointed viceroy of New Spain to succeed his father, who had died on November 3, 1784. Gálvez and his family moved to Mexico City, which was in the throes of famine and disease. He became endeared to the people of Mexico City by opening up not only the resources of the government but also his personal fortune to help the populace through the difficult times. Two of his main achievements as viceroy were the start of the reconstruction of the Castle of Chapultepec, today a showplace for the Mexican nation, and the completion of the Cathedral of Mexico, the largest Catholic cathedral in the western hemisphere.

"Why 'Galveston?'" Galveston Unscripted video on Bernardo de Gálvez. Courtesy of Galveston Unscripted. Video available on the Internet and included in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107.
Gálvez died of an illness on November 30, 1786. His body was buried next to his father's crypt in the wall of the Church of San Fernando. His heart was placed in an urn and reposed in the Cathedral of Mexico. On December 12, eight days after his funeral, his widow gave birth to another child. In 1778 San Bernardo, a Taovayan village on the Red River, was named in honor of Gálvez, then the governor of Louisiana. While he was viceroy of New Spain, Gálvez ordered José de Evia's survey of the Gulf Coast; the mapmaker named the biggest bay on the Texas coast Bahía de Galvezton, a name later altered to Galveston.

In 2014 Congress honored Gálvez by hanging his portrait in the U. S. Capitol for Spain's contributions which aided the American revolutionaries. Congress awarded honorary citizenship to Gálvez the same year. During the 1976 U. S. Bicentennial, Spain gave two statues of their noted countryman to the cities of Washington, D. C., and New Orleans.

06/17/2026

For those of you who might want to see “Austin’s Flag,” check it out!

Today is National Flag Day. Across Texas, you’ll often see six flags displayed, but the six flags at the San Jacinto Monument stand apart. Rather than the traditional six flags of Texas history, the Monument features six banners that symbolize pivotal moments from the fight for Texas independence: the Come and Take It Flag, Austin’s Flag, Dodson’s Lone Star Flag, the 1824 Flag, the Bloody Arm Flag, and the Liberty Flag.

In November 1835, the provisional Texas government sent Stephen F. Austin to the United States to gather support for the Revolution. While in New Orleans in January, he wrote to Gail Borden proposing a symbolic national flag that reflected Texas’s Anglo-American roots, Mexican ties, and identity through a single star. The design also marked Austin’s shift from advocating reform within Mexico to promoting full independence.

Although the flag was never produced, his original sketch is preserved at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin.

Discover more about the stories behind these historic flags on our blog: https://thc.texas.gov/blog/flags-texas-revolution-0