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Eastfield Library presents "Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence"

(Mesquite, TX) – Eastfield College Library (L200) presents “Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence,” a Humanities Texas exhibit, March 24 – April 11.

On March 1, 1836, delegates gathered in Washington-on-the-Brazos to discuss the creation of a formal declaration of independence. The Texas Revolution had already begun and the small settlements of Texas were greatly outnumbered against Santa Anna’s Mexican army. Support from the United States was crucial for the success of the Texas Revolution but first Texas had to declare independence from Mexico. With that in mind, the fifty-four representatives of each Texas settlement met to deliberate the issues and come to some consensus. During those days of the Convention of 1836, daily reports were being received of the heroic acts of the defenders of the Alamo and their subsequent martyrdom.  On March 17 upon hearing that the Mexican army was approaching, the delegates departed but not without having achieved their goals.  They had created, adopted, and signed a formal Texas Declaration of Independence, drafted the first constitution for the new Republic of Texas, and had successfully organized an ad interim government.

This exhibit follows the trail of the Texas Revolution, the necessity for a formal Declaration of Independence, and the tense proceedings in adopting and signing one of the most important documents in Texas history. Also included are photographs and biographies of the Anglo and Tejano delegates such as Sam Houston, Jose Antonio Navarro, James Collinsworth, Lorenzo de Zavala and others. “Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence” is an excellent updated version of the original prepared by the Texas Centennial Commission in 1936.  Set against the background of the Texas battles for freedom, this exhibit is a powerful testimony to the intelligence, courage, and fortitude of the people of Texas.

The project was made possible in part with a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and Eastfield College Student Programs & Resources.

For more information, call 972-860-7168 or visit www.eastfieldcollege.edu. This event is free to attend.

Spring Hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday                      7:30 a.m. –   4:30 p.m.
Saturday                  9:00 a.m. –   2:00 p.m.

Eastfield College, one of the seven Dallas County Community Colleges, is located at 3737 Motley Drive in Mesquite, just north of I-30.