March 2 in Military History — On This Day

⚔️📍 Washington-on-the-Brazos, Texas1836

Texas Declares Independence from Mexico

Delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos unanimously adopted a declaration of independence, establishing the Republic of Texas while the Alamo still held out against Santa Anna's besieging army. Sam Houston was appointed commander of the Texan army.

Texas independence led directly to the Mexican-American War when the U.S. annexed Texas in 1845, and the resulting border dispute triggered the conflict that would define manifest destiny.

Outcome

Republic of Texas proclaimed; war with Mexico continues

Operation Anaconda

Operation Anaconda attempts to encircle and destroy several hundred Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the Shahi-Kot Valley in a hammer-and-anvil operation. The plan goes wrong almost immediately — Afghan troops meant to be the blocking force don't materialize, intelligence underestimates enemy numbers, and enemy fighters are far more capable than expected. Eight Americans are killed including in the famous SEAL Team Six Takur Ghar battle where Petty Officer Neil Roberts falls from a helicopter.

Anaconda was the first major conventional battle of the war and a warning about the enemy's resilience. The operation succeeded militarily but exposed serious problems: intelligence failures, poor coordination between components, and an enemy willing to stand and fight American forces. The Taliban's ability to fight effectively despite air supremacy forced a reassessment of the entire campaign.

Full battle details →