On March 1, students, faculty and staff, alumni, Huntsville residents and more gathered at Sam Houston State University to partake in the oldest campus tradition: March 2 the Grave.

This marked 132 years that the tradition has been active.

March 2 the Grave began in 1893 as a celebration of the birthday and legacy of General Sam Houston, as well as Texas Independence Day, both of which fall on March 2. Those who wish to partake in the tradition gather on the SHSU campus in the morning and march as a group across town to the Oakwood Cemetery, where Sam Houston’s grave is located.

Once on site, various notable figures from the Huntsville community speak in remembrance of General Sam Houston. President of the SHSU Pre-Law Society Olivia Discon shared what makes the tradition significant to her.

“It is one of the oldest traditions in Huntsville and at Sam Houston State, and it is deeply connected to our namesake and local hero General Sam Houston,” Discon said. “As a student and citizen of this city, it is an honor to be part of such a rich history and culture. All kinds of leaders in our community take time out of their day to honor him, and I think that speaks for itself.”

Because March 2 the Grave is such an old tradition, those who are first-time participants are especially excited to take part in something with such a deep-rooted history.

Ruby Norman, a social media assistant for the Campus Activities Board, was one of these individuals taking part in the tradition for the first time.

“I am glad that I got to be part of something that has been around for so long, and it feels like a good way to connect with my peers and the community that makes Huntsville so great,” Norman said. “It provides a fun opportunity to engage with history—especially since, as college kids, I feel like knowing the history behind our school is lost sometimes.”