Revolution/Republic Timeline

By stephanie1909

  • Texans declare independence from Mexico

    At the Convention of 1836, Texans write a declaration of independence and the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is named the commander of the Texas military.

  • Texans lose the Battle of the Alamo.

    After a 13-day attack on the Alamo Mission near San Antonio, Mexican soldiers kill all 189 Texans trying to defend the Alamo. The cruelty of the soldiers leads many Texans and Americans to join the Texas army to fight Mexico.

  • Sam Houston abandons Gonzales

    Sam Houston abandons Gonzales and retreats eastward to avoid the advancing Mexican army. Panicky settlers in the area flee as well in an exodus called the Runaway Scrape.

  • Texans rally for independence after the Goliad Massacre.

    After 400 Texans surrender at the Battle of Goliad, Mexican General Santa Anna orders them executed. The killings make outraged Texans rally even more for their independence.

  • Texans win the Battle of San Jacinto and their independence.

    Led by Sam Houston, the Texas army defeats the troops of Santa Anna at the Battle of Jacinto. The win is the victory that Texas needs to finally gain its independence from Mexico.

  • The Treaties of Velasco are signed, officially giving Texas its independence.

    The Republic of Texas and General Santa Anna sign the Velasco Treaties, which end the revolution. However, the Mexican government says that Santa Anna does not have the right to sign the treaties and never agrees to the treaties.

  • The first Congress of the Republic of Texas convenes at Columbia

    The first Congress of the Republic of Texas convenes at Columbia

  • Sam Houston is named President of the Republic of Texas.

    Virginia native Sam Houston becomes the first president of Texas after it wins its independence from Mexico. He will also be the third president and later becomes the governor of Texas when it joins the United States.

  • Stephen F. Austin, called the "Father of Texas," dies

    Stephen F. Austin, called the "Father of Texas," dies of pneumonia at age 43.

  • Republic of Texas is officially recognized

    Republic of Texas is officially recognized by the United States, and later by France, England, the Netherlands and Belgium.

  • First sale of town lots in the new capital of the Republic

    First sale of town lots in the new capital of the Republic, which is named for Stephen F. Austin, is held.

  • Comanches, led by a dozen chiefs, meet with officials of Texas government to negotiate a peace treaty.

    Comanches, led by a dozen chiefs, meet with officials of Texas government to negotiate a peace treaty. Believing the Comanches to have reneged on a promise to release all white prisoners, the Texans take the chiefs prisoner. During the Council House fight that follows, 35 Comanches are killed, as are seven Texans.

  • Comanches, in retaliation for the Council House Fight,

    Near Hallettsville, Comanches, in retaliation for the Council House Fight, begin killing and looting their way across Central Texas. Texas Rangers and a volunteer army defeat the Comanches on Aug. 11 at Plum Creek near Lockhart.

  • The Santa Fe Expedition

    The Santa Fe Expedition, launched without Texas Congressional authorization by Pres. Mirabeau B. Lamar, leaves Central Texas on its way west to establish trade with and solidify Texas' claims to territory around Santa Fe. Members of group are taken prisoner by Mexican troops, marched to Mexico City and imprisoned. They are finally released in 1842.

  • The first seeds of large-scale German immigration

    The first seeds of large-scale German immigration to Texas are sown when a German society, the Adelsverein, purchases land for settlements in Central Texas.

  • Baylor University is founded.

    Baylor University is founded.

  • US Congress passes a "Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas to the United States.

    US Congress passes a "Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas to the United States.

  • The Texas Constitutional Convention votes to accept the United States annexation proposal

    The Texas Constitutional Convention votes to accept the United States annexation proposal; it drafts an Annexation Ordinance and State Constitution to submit to the voters of Texas.

  • Texas voters overwhelmingly approve annexation

    Texas voters overwhelmingly approve annexation, the new state constitution and the annexation ordinance.

  • Texas becomes part of the United States.

    The United States annexes Texas, making it the nation's 28th state. It is the only state in the Union that was its own nation before becoming a state.

  • The US Congress approves, and President James K. Polk signs, the "Joint Resolution for the Admission of the State of Texas into the Union." Texas becomes the 28th state.

    The US Congress approves, and President James K. Polk signs, the "Joint Resolution for the Admission of the State of Texas into the Union." Texas becomes the 28th state.