On March 2, 1836, Texas declared independence from Mexico in a move that changed the world's destiny. The US would eventually annex all of what is now the southwest US, creating a global superpower.

Below is the San Jacinto monument near Houston, marking the Texans victory over Santa Anna's army that secured that independence.

http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/san-ja...14_300.jpg

Thank a Tennesseean.

As Mr. CoastGuardHawk06 says, on behalf of my deep family roots in Tennessee going back to the early 19th century: you're welcome. Seriously, though, the story of Texas independence is pretty interesting and I've enjoyed studying it.