Sarah Thurmond

In 1936, a fishing tournament debuted in a rugged coastal fish camp known as Tarpon. Back then, the town had fewer than 400 people, with an economy centered on sportfishing. A spectacular large fish nicknamed “Silver King” drew anglers from all over the country who’d venture out in locally built wooden Farley boats. Even President Franklin Roosevelt showed up and tried his luck in 1937.

As America marks its 250th anniversary on Independence Day, Texas is diving headfirst into the patriotic party. But the Lone Star State is going beyond hot dogs, fireworks, and red-white-and-blue popsicles. It’s turning the semiquincentennial into a statewide showcase of creativity, culture, and star-spangled spirit, with art shows, museum exhibitions, living history festivals, and other celebrations. What’s more, the party doesn’t stop on July 4.

In the sweltering summer months, the sprawling canopy of one of Missouri City’s massive oaks offers a brief reprieve from the heat. Every year, people gather under its sturdy arms stretching across the Houston suburb’s Freedom Tree Park in recognition of an important moment in Texas history. The park, on the west side of Misty Hollow Drive, is the site of what was formerly the Palmer Plantation.