December 29, 2016
First class postage stamp showing U.S. and Texas flags together, issued for the Texas Statehood Centennial, in 1945. Yes, first class postage was three cents. Wikipedia image.
Congress approved Texas’s petition to join the union on December 29, 1845. Texas joined the United States of America 171 years ago today.
KWTX Channel 10 News described the process in 1845:
On December 29, 1845—171 years ago today—the U.S. Congress voted to annex Texas, eight years after statehood was first proposed. In June 1845 the Texas Congress voted in favor of annexation and on July 4, 1845, a convention of elected delegates followed suit. A popular vote in October ratified the document, which the U.S. Congress accepted on December 29, 1845, making Texas the 28th state. Texas President Anson Jones handed over control of the new state government to Gov. James Pinckney Henderson on February 19, 1846.
Engraving of Texas President Anson Jones lowering the flag of the Republic of Texas, to be replaced with the flag of the United States, on December 29, 1845, after Congress accepted the annexation of Texas into the Union. Texas State Library image.
More:
Spread the word; friends don't allow friends to repeat history.
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1845, Flag etiquette, Fly your flag today, History, Statehood, Texas | Tagged: Flag etiquette, Fly your flag today, History, Texas Statehood | 
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Posted by Ed Darrell
December 29, 2015
It’s Texas Statehood day, the 170th anniversary of Texas joining the Union — or as some Texans prefer, the anniversary of Texas’s making America great.
According to the U.S. flag code, people should fly their U.S. flags on their state’s statehood day.
Not many Texans are, if any. Can you find someone honoring statehood day?
U.S. and Texas flags at the Texas Capitol – photo: jmtimages
170 years ago today: Rub your pet armadillo’s belly, slaughter the fatted longhorn, crank up the barbecue pit with the mesquite wood, put Willie Nelson and Bob Wills on the mp3 player, put the “Giant” DVD on the television, and raise your glass of Big Red, Dr. Pepper, or Lone Star Beer (or Pearl, or Shiner Bock, Sir Williams English Brown Ale, or Llano Wine).
U.S. Flag Code rules urge flying the U.S. flag on the anniversary of a state’s joining the Union — even as much as that will frost the tiny band of desperate Texas secessionists. (Will the secessionists fly the Texas flag at half-staff?)
Texas was admitted to the union of the United States of America on December 29, 1845.
President Polk’s Authorization to affix the Great Seal to Texas Statehood documents – Texas Memorial Museum, University of Texas at Austin
The text of Polk’s message:
I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to an authenticated copy of “an act to extend the laws of the United States over the State of Texas and for other purposes” approved Dec. 29, 1845 dated this day, and signed by me and for so doing this shall be his warrant.
James K. Polk
Washington, Dec. 29, 1845
Great Seal of the United States of America, affixed to the Texas Statehood Proclamation – image from State Archives Division, Texas State Library
Resources:
- “Annexation – Celebrating 150 years of statehood,” at Humanities Interactive, Texas Council for the Humanities Resource Center (this page is difficult to find if you just go to the Humanities Interactive site — bookmark it!)
- Teachers Guide from Humanities Interactive
- “Celebrating 150 Years of Texas Statehood,” essay by James L. Haley
- Texas Annexation map activity (with map of U.S. – may be used by classes outside of Texas, too)
- Texas Treasures – Statehood, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- Texas Statehood Flag, Gallery of the Republic
- Daughters of the Republic of Texas site, with this reminder: Texas Statehood Day [February 19, 1846] (Texas wouldn’t take “yes” for an answer then, either.)
“The legal entry of Texas into the Union was 29 December 1845, but the decade-old Republic of Texas did not formally transfer the authority to the new State of Texas until 19 February 1846.The Texans had until the end of the year in 1845 to accept the annexation as one of the states of the United States of America. They waited until 29 December 1845 to accept the terms, independent to the end. The formal transfer of authority from the Republic of Texas took place 19 February 1846 at the log capitol in Austin with President Anson Jones presiding. On this day we celebrate the end of the Republic of Texas.”
- Texas Honor Days (days to fly the Texas flag), Daughters of the Republic of Texas
- Stamp honoring 100 years of Texas Statehood (Arago site)
More:
The Texas Ranger Museum took note of the day (no, not the baseball Rangers):
Yes, this is mostly an encore post. It is an annual event, after all. And, fighting ignorance requires patience and persistence.
Spread the word; friends don't allow friends to repeat history.
Leave a Comment » | 1845, Flag etiquette, Fly your flag today, History, History images, Statehood, Texas, Texas history | Tagged: December 29 1845, Fly your flag, History, President Polk, Texas, Texas Statehood | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell
December 29, 2014
It’s Texas Statehood day, the 169th anniversary of Texas joining the Union — or as some Texans prefer, the anniversary of Texas’s making America great.
According to the U.S. flag code, people should fly their U.S. flags on their state’s statehood day.
Not many Texans are, if any. Can you find someone honoring statehood day?
U.S. and Texas flags at the Texas Capitol – photo: jmtimages
169 years ago today: Rub your pet armadillo’s belly, slaughter the fatted longhorn, crank up the barbecue pit with the mesquite wood, put Willie Nelson and Bob Wills on the mp3 player, put the “Giant” DVD on the television, and raise your glass of Big Red, Dr. Pepper, or Lone Star Beer (or Pearl, or Shiner Bock, or Llano Wine).
U.S. Flag Code rules urge flying the U.S. flag on the anniversary of a state’s joining the Union — even as much as that will frost the tiny band of desperate Texas secessionists. (Will the secessionists fly the Texas flag at half-staff?)
Texas was admitted to the union of the United States of America on December 29, 1845.
President Polk’s Authorization to Affix the Great Seal to Texas Statehood documents – Texas Memorial Museum, University of Texas at Austin
The text of Polk’s message:
I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to an authenticated copy of “an act to extend the laws of the United States over the State of Texas and for other purposes” approved Dec. 29, 1845 dated this day, and signed by me and for so doing this shall be his warrant.
James K. Polk
Washington, Dec. 29, 1845
Great Seal of the United States of America, affixed to the Texas Statehood Proclamation – image from State Archives Division, Texas State Library
Resources:
- “Annexation – Celebrating 150 years of statehood,” at Humanities Interactive, Texas Council for the Humanities Resource Center (this page is difficult to find if you just go to the Humanities Interactive site — bookmark it!)
- Teachers Guide from Humanities Interactive
- “Celebrating 150 Years of Texas Statehood,” essay by James L. Haley
- Texas Annexation map activity (with map of U.S. – may be used by classes outside of Texas, too)
- Texas Treasures – Statehood, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- Texas Statehood Flag, Gallery of the Republic
- Daughters of the Republic of Texas site, with this reminder: Texas Statehood Day [February 19, 1846] (Texas wouldn’t take “yes” for an answer then, either.)
“The legal entry of Texas into the Union was 29 December 1845, but the decade-old Republic of Texas did not formally transfer the authority to the new State of Texas until 19 February 1846.The Texans had until the end of the year in 1845 to accept the annexation as one of the states of the United States of America. They waited until 29 December 1845 to accept the terms, independent to the end. The formal transfer of authority from the Republic of Texas took place 19 February 1846 at the log capitol in Austin with President Anson Jones presiding. On this day we celebrate the end of the Republic of Texas.”
- Texas Honor Days (days to fly the Texas flag), Daughters of the Republic of Texas
- Stamp honoring 100 years of Texas Statehood (Arago site)
More:
The Texas Ranger Museum took note of the day (no, not the baseball Rangers):
Yes, this is mostly an encore post. It is an annual event, after all. And, fighting ignorance requires patience and persistence.
Spread the word; friends don't allow friends to repeat history.
1 Comment | 1845, Flag etiquette, Fly your flag today, History, History images, Statehood, Texas, Texas history | Tagged: December 29 1845, Fly your flag, History, President Polk, Texas, Texas Statehood | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell
December 29, 2013
U.S. and Texas flags at the Texas Capitol – photo: jmtimages
168 years ago today: Rub your pet armadillo’s belly, slaughter the fatted longhorn, crank up the barbecue pit with the mesquite wood, put Willie Nelson and Bob Wills on the mp3 player, put the “Giant” DVD on the television, and raise your glass of Big Red, Dr. Pepper, or Lone Star Beer (or Pearl, or Shiner Bock, or Llano Wine).
U.S. Flag Code rules urge flying the U.S. flag on the anniversary of a state’s joining the Union — even as much as that will frost the tiny band of desperate Texas secessionists. (Will the secessionists fly the Texas flag at half-staff?)
Texas was admitted to the union of the United States of America on December 29, 1845.
President Polk’s Authorization to Affix the Great Seal to Texas Statehood documents – Texas Memorial Museum, University of Texas at Austin
The text of Polk’s message:
I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to an authenticated copy of “an act to extend the laws of the United States over the State of Texas and for other purposes” approved Dec. 29, 1845 dated this day, and signed by me and for so doing this shall be his warrant.
James K. Polk
Washington, Dec. 29, 1845
Great Seal of the United States of America, affixed to the Texas Statehood Proclamation – image from State Archives Division, Texas State Library
Resources:
- “Annexation – Celebrating 150 years of statehood,” at Humanities Interactive, Texas Council for the Humanities Resource Center (this page is difficult to find if you just go to the Humanities Interactive site — bookmark it!)
- Teachers Guide from Humanities Interactive
- “Celebrating 150 Years of Texas Statehood,” essay by James L. Haley
- Texas Annexation map activity (with map of U.S. – may be used by classes outside of Texas, too)
- Texas Treasures – Statehood, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- Texas Statehood Flag, Gallery of the Republic
- Daughters of the Republic of Texas site, with this reminder: Texas Statehood Day [February 19, 1846] (Texas wouldn’t take “yes” for an answer then, either.)
“The legal entry of Texas into the Union was 29 December 1845, but the decade-old Republic of Texas did not formally transfer the authority to the new State of Texas until 19 February 1846.The Texans had until the end of the year in 1845 to accept the annexation as one of the states of the United States of America. They waited until 29 December 1845 to accept the terms, independent to the end. The formal transfer of authority from the Republic of Texas took place 19 February 1846 at the log capitol in Austin with President Anson Jones presiding. On this day we celebrate the end of the Republic of Texas.”
- Texas Honor Days (days to fly the Texas flag), Daughters of the Republic of Texas
- Stamp honoring 100 years of Texas Statehood (Arago site)
More:
Much of this post appeared here before; it’s an annual event, after all.
Spread the word; friends don't allow friends to repeat history.
Leave a Comment » | 1845, Flag etiquette, Fly your flag today, History, History images, Statehood, Texas, Texas history | Tagged: December 29 1845, Fly your flag, History, President Polk, Texas, Texas Statehood | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell
December 28, 2012
U.S. and Texas flags at the Texas Capitol – photo: jmtimages
167 years ago today: Rub your pet armadillo’s belly, slaughter the fatted longhorn, crank up the barbecue pit with the mesquite wood, put Willie Nelson and Bob Wills on the mp3 player, put the “Giant” DVD on the television, and raise your glass of Big Red, Dr. Pepper, or Lone Star Beer (or Pearl, or Shiner Bock, or Llano Wine).
U.S. Flag Code rules urge flying the U.S. flag on the anniversary of a state’s joining the Union — even as much as that will frost the tiny band of desperate Texas secessionists. (Will the secessionists fly the Texas flag at half-staff?)
Texas was admitted to the union of the United States of America on December 29, 1845.
President Polk’s Authorization to Affix the Great Seal to Texas Statehood documents – Texas Memorial Museum, University of Texas at Austin
The text of Polk’s message:
I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to an authenticated copy of “an act to extend the laws of the United States over the State of Texas and for other purposes” approved Dec. 29, 1845 dated this day, and signed by me and for so doing this shall be his warrant.
James K. Polk
Washington, Dec. 29, 1845
Great Seal of the United States of America, affixed to the Texas Statehood Proclamation – image from State Archives Division, Texas State Library
Resources:
- “Annexation – Celebrating 150 years of statehood,” at Humanities Interactive, Texas Council for the Humanities Resource Center (this page is difficult to find if you just go to the Humanities Interactive ste — bookmark it!)
- Teachers Guide from Humanities Interactive
- “Celebrating 150 Years of Texas Statehood,” essay by James L. Haley
- Texas Annexation map activity (with map of U.S. – may be used by classes outside of Texas, too)
- Texas Treasures – Statehood, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- Texas Statehood Flag, Gallery of the Republic
- Daughters of the Republic of Texas site, with this reminder: Texas Statehood Day [February 19, 1846] (Texas wouldn’t take “yes” for an answer then, either.)
“The legal entry of Texas into the Union was 29 December 1845, but the decade-old Republic of Texas did not formally transfer the authority to the new State of Texas until 19 February 1846.The Texans had until the end of the year in 1845 to accept the annexation as one of the states of the United States of America. They waited until 29 December 1845 to accept the terms, independent to the end. The formal transfer of authority from the Republic of Texas took place 19 February 1846 at the log capitol in Austin with President Anson Jones presiding. On this day we celebrate the end of the Republic of Texas.”
- Texas Honor Days (days to fly the Texas flag), Daughters of the Republic of Texas
- Stamp honoring 100 years of Texas Statehood (Arago site)
More:
Spread the word; friends don't allow friends to repeat history.
9 Comments | 1845, History, History images, Statehood, Texas, Texas history | Tagged: December 29 1845, History, President Polk, Texas, Texas Statehood | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell
December 29, 2011
166 years ago today: Rub your pet armadillo’s belly, slaughter the fatted longhorn, crank up the barbecue pit with the mesquite wood, put Willie Nelson and Bob Wills on the mp3 player, put the “Giant” DVD on the television, and raise your glass of Big Red, Dr. Pepper, or Lone Star Beer (or Pearl, or Shiner Bock, or Llano Wine).
Texas was admitted to the union of the United States of America on December 29, 1845.
President Polk’s Authorization to Affix the Great Seal to Texas Statehood documents – Texas Memorial Museum, University of Texas at Austin
The text reads:
I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to an authenticated copy of “an act to extend the laws of the United States over the State of Texas and for other purposes” approved Dec. 29, 1845 dated this day, and signed by me and for so doing this shall be his warrant.
James K. Polk
Washington, Dec. 29, 1845
Great Seal of the United States, as affixed to Texas Statehood proclamation - image from State Archives Division, Texas State Library
Resources:
- “Annexation – Celebrating 150 years of statehood,” at Humanities Interactive, Texas Council for the Humanities Resource Center (this page is difficult to find if you just go to the Humanities Interactive ste — bookmark it!)
- Teachers Guide from Humanities Interactive
- “Celebrating 150 Years of Texas Statehood,” essay by James L. Haley
- Texas Annexation map activity (with map of U.S. – may be used by classes outside of Texas, too)
- Texas Treasures – Statehood, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- Texas Statehood Flag, Gallery of the Republic
- Daughters of the Republic of Texas site, with this reminder: Texas Statehood Day [February 19, 1846]
The legal entry of Texas into the Union was 29 December 1845, but the decade-old Republic of Texas did not formally transfer the authority to the new State of Texas until 19 February 1846.The Texans had until the end of the year in 1845 to accept the annexation as one of the states of the United States of America. They waited until 29 December 1845 to accept the terms, independent to the end. The formal transfer of authority from the Republic of Texas took place 19 February 1846 at the log capitol in Austin with President Anson Jones presiding. On this day we celebrate the end of the Republic of Texas.
- Texas Honor Days (days to fly the Texas flag), Daughters of the Republic of Texas
- Stamp honoring 100 years of Texas Statehood (Arago site)
Spread the word; friends don't allow friends to repeat history.
Leave a Comment » | 1845, History, History images, Statehood, Texas, Texas history | Tagged: December 29 1845, History, President Polk, Texas, Texas Statehood | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell
December 29, 2008
163 years ago today: Rub your pet armadillo’s belly, slaughter the fatted longhorn, crank up the barbecue pit with the mesquite wood, put Willie Nelson and Bob Wills on the mp3 player, put the “Giant” DVD on the television, and raise your glass of Lone Star Beer (or Pearl, or Shiner Bock, or Llano Wine).
Texas was admitted to the union of the United States of America on December 29, 1845.
President Polk's Authorization to Affix the Great Seal to Texas Statehood - Texas Memorial Museum, University of Texas at Austin
The text reads:
I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to an authenticated copy of “an act to extend the laws of the United States over the State of Texas and for other purposes” approved Dec. 29, 1845 dated this day, and signed by me and for so doing this shall be his warrant.
James K. Polk
Washington, Dec. 29, 1845
Great Seal of the United States of America - State Archives Division, Texas State Library
Resources:
- “Annexation – Celebrating 150 years of statehood,” at Humanities Interactive, Texas Council for the Humanities Resource Center (this page is difficult to find if you just go to the Humanities Interactive ste — bookmark it!)
- Teachers Guide from Humanities Interactive
- “Celebrating 150 Years of Texas Statehood,” essay by James L. Haley
- Texas Annexation map activity (with map of U.S. – may be used by classes outside of Texas, too)
- Texas Treasures – Statehood, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- Texas Statehood Flag, Gallery of the Republic
- Daughters of the Republic of Texas site, with this reminder: Texas Statehood Day [February 19, 1846]
The legal entry of Texas into the Union was 29 December 1845, but the decade-old Republic of Texas did not formally transfer the authority to the new State of Texas until 19 February 1846.The Texans had until the end of the year in 1845 to accept the annexation as one of the states of the United States of America. They waited until 29 December 1845 to accept the terms, independent to the end. The formal transfer of authority from the Republic of Texas took place 19 February 1846 at the log capitol in Austin with President Anson Jones presiding. On this day we celebrate the end of the Republic of Texas.
- Texas Honor Days (days to fly the Texas flag), Daughters of the Republic of Texas
- Stamp honoring 100 years of Texas Statehood (Arago site)
Spread the word; friends don't allow friends to repeat history.
Leave a Comment » | 1845, Historic documents, History, History images, History museums, Texas, Texas history | Tagged: History, History images, Statehood, Texas, Texas Statehood, U.S. history | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 