Sam Houston & Robert E. Lee Timeline By itsmedrew2 Period: Oct 22, 1836 to Dec 10, 1838 Houston is the 1st President of the Republic of Texas Period: Dec 21, 1844 to Dec 9, 1845 Houston is the 3rd President of the Republic of Texas Dec 29, 1845 Texas joins the Union Dec 21, 1859 Houston is elected as Governor of Texas 1860 Lincoln elected President of the Union Feb 1, 1861 Texas votes to secede from the Union Feb 13, 1861 General Lee receives orders to return to Washington to suppress rebellion Feb 23, 1861 Texas succession ratified by Texan people Mar 1, 1861 Lee returns to Arlington, TX Mar 16, 1861 Houston (as Governor of Texas) refuses to swear oath to Confederacy, deposed from office Apr 17, 1861 Virginia secedes from the Union Apr 18, 1861 Lee is offered command of Union armies Apr 20, 1861 Lee pens letter of resignation from US Army Apr 23, 1861 Lee takes over Virginian forces Period: Apr 23, 1861 to Jun 1, 1862 Lee commands Virginian army and works as advisor to President Jefferson Davis Apr 25, 1861 Lee’s resignation from US Army is official Jun 1, 1862 Lee takes command of Confederate Army