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Today is March 2nd, also known as Texas Independence Day. It was on this day back in 1836 (175 years ago!!) that settlers in the territory of Texas signed a document declaring independence from Mexico. Thus, the Republic of Texas was created!

The Republic of Texas lasted from 1836 until 1845. In 1845, Texas entered into the United States of America, becoming the 28th State!

In celebration of Texas Independence Day, here are some very “Texan” things about Camp El Tesoro:

• It would take you 2 days and 8 hours to walk from Camp El Tesoro to the Texas Capital in Austin.
• The word “Texas” is based on a word used by the Caddo Indians meaning “friends” – and Camp El Tesoro is a great place to make friends!
• Highest Point in Texas = Guadalupe Peak – 8,747 feet above sea level.
• Highest Point at El Tesoro = Mount Loma – 790 feet above sea level.
• The Texas State Flower is the Bluebonnet – which can be seen by the thousands at different points around camp.

Bluebonnets at El Tesoro - photo taken by a member of the Fort Worth Camera Club

• The Texas State Tree is the Pecan Tree – which can be seen at camp. We also have identified more than 20 other species of trees!
• The Texas State Small Mammal is the Armadillo – here’s a picture of one I encountered right next to the Swinging Bridge!

The Armadillo is the Texas State Small Mammal - the Large Mammal is the Longhorn. Photo by Heather Pitts.

• The Texas State Plant is Prickly Pear Cactus – their fruit is edible when ripe - watch out for the prickles, though! 

This is the fruit (called Tuna) of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Photo by Sara Hatch.

Instead of a quiz, I’ll leave you with some fun Texas Facts.

1. El Paso, Texas, is closer to California than it is to Dallas.
2. The average yearly rainfall total in West Texas is 8 inches; in East Texas it’s 56 inches. That’s a 4 foot difference!
3. Texas is the only state to have the flags of 6 different nations fly over it – Spain, France, Mexico, The Republic of Texas, Confederate States, and the United States of America.
4. The King Ranch in Texas is bigger than the whole state of Rhode Island.
5. Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation, which means that Texas is allowed to fly its flag at the same height as the United States flag!

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