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Battle of the Alamo
A famous battle that Mexico won, but it showed how dedicated Texas was to fighting Santa Anna. Travis, the leader, wrote a letter asking for reinforcements that began "Fellow citizens compatriots—
I am besieged, by a thousand
or more of the Mexicans under
Santa Anna." (William Barret Travis's Letter from the Alamo, February 24, 1836. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/texas175/travisletter.html) -
Texas Declaration of Independence
George Childress wrote the Texas Declaration of Independence, and it declared the Republic of Texas as free and independent. (Texas Declaration of Independence, March 2, 1836. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/texas175/declaration) -
Preparation for the Battle of San Jacinto
Sam Houston wrote, "This morning we are in preparation to meet Sant Ana. It is the only chance of saving Texas."
(Sam Houston notes, April 19, 1836. Andrew Jackson Houston Papers #390, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/texas175/houston_sanjacinto.html) -
The Battle of San Jacinto
This battle truly freed Texas from Mexico. Houston forced Santa Anna "to sign an armistice calling for an end to fighting and the retreat of Filisola to San Antonio and Urrea to Victoria" (Campbell 158). Campbell, R. B. (2003). Gone to Texas: A history of the lone star state. Oxford University Press, Incorporated. -
Public Treaty of Velasco
Santa Anna signed a public treaty that ended hostility between Mexico and Texas and took the Mexican troops out of Texas. (The Treaty of Velasco (Public), May 14, 1836, Domestic correspondence, Texas Secretary of State general correspondence of the Department of State, Republic of Texas, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/texas175/velasco.html) -
First Republic of Texas Election
Despite there being no political parties yet, three candidates ran: Henry Smith, Stephen F. Austin, and Sam Houston. "Voters at this September 5 election also chose the first congress of the Republic, unanimously endorsed the constitution written back in March, and overwhelmingly (3,277-91) supported annexation to the United States" (Campbell 161) (Campbell, R. B. (2003). Gone to Texas: A history of the lone star state. Oxford University Press, Incorporated.) -
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Presidency of Sam Houston- 1st Term
Sam Houston was the first non-interim president of the Republic of Texas. He worked hard to keep peace with the Native Americans and the Texas people, and overall was a great diplomat. (https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/presidents/houston1/intro.html) -
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Presidency of Mirabeau B. Lamar
Lamar was the second elected president of the Republic of Texas. He wrote in his campaign address, "Above all things let our national pride be to improve the worth virtue of our people." (Mirabeau Lamar campaign address, August 1838. Mirabeau B. Lamar Papers #804, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/presidents/lamar/m_lamar_aug_1838_3.html) -
Republic of Texas Flag
The flag and seal for the Republic of Texas, designed by Peter Krag, was approved by the government. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/texas175/flag.html -
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Presidency of Sam Houston- 2nd Term
During his second term, Sam Houston dealt with financial issues, trouble with Mexico, and a continued fight for annexation. (https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/presidents/houston2/mrprez.html) -
Texas Statehood
After years of trying to be annexed to the United States, Texas finally gained statehood. The popular vote approved the Annexation Ordinance in October 1845, and the United States officially accepted Texas as a state in December. ("County-by-county roster shows vote totals for the October 13, 1845 referendum", https://www.tsl.texas.gov/treasures/earlystate/annex-01.html)