Texas State Day, Motto, and Nickname

STATE DAY March 2 STATUS Official DATE OF ADMISSION TO UNITED STATES December 29, 1845 RANKING IN STATE ADMISSION 28th FORMER DESIGNATIONS Spain France Mexico Republic of Texas Confederate States of America HISTORY The Republic of Texas was formed after gaining independence from Mexico in 1836. That same year Texans voted for annexation to the United States. However, no such treaty agreement was reached or ratified by either nation for the next nine years. Finally in 1845, after considerable political discussion and bargaining, the U.S. Congress passed a Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas to the United States. That same year on December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state to be admitted to the Union. However, March 2, or Texas Independence Day, marks the signing of the Republic of Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico, not the date U.S. statehood was granted. MOTTO "Friendship" The Texas Legislature adopted this simple state motto in February 1930. It is derived from the meaning of the word Texas, or Tejas in Spanish, which is a translation of a Caddo word meaning "friends." NICKNAMES "The Lone Star State," "The Friendship State" The nickname "The Friendship State" comes from the Spanish translation of the Caddo Indian word for "friends" or "allies," Tejas. The origin of the nickname "The Lone Star State," is steeped in the history of Texas. Beginning as early as 1819, a single star on the flags displayed by the state was used to denote its independence and stand-alone spirit. Today’s official Texas flag still contains a single star. -World Trade Press