-
1800
-
Independence from Spain and Colonization
Mexico gained its independence from Spain and in 1823, Stephen F. Austin brings 300 families to establish a colony in Texas with approval from Mexican government. -
The Texas Rangers
In 1823, Stephen F. Austin hired 10 men to protect families and act as rangers. To date the Texas Rangers are known as one of the longest-running law enforcement agencies. -
Battle of the Alamo
Battle of the Alamo was part of Texas regaining their independence from Mexico. Volunteer soldiers near present-day San Antonio, occupied a former mission, the Alamo. Santa Anna and thousands of his Mexican troops began a siege that lasted 13 with less than 200 Texan soldiers. Resulted in Mexican troops taking over the Alamo. However, the next year, Texas gained its independence from Mexico. A significant battle that played a role. -
Austin, Texas
The capital of Texas became Austin. This happened after the previous capital had been Houston in 1837. -
Republic of Texas Annexation
Republic of Texas is annexed to the United States as a slave state and becomes the 28th state of the United States. The annexation also contributes to the Mexican-American War -
The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 set the border for Texas. Texas received $10 million in exchange for their western and northernmost territory to the United States. -
The Civil War began
In 1861, Texas and 10 other slave states seceded from the Union and established their own government, the Confederacy. This triggered the Civil War. -
The Civil War ended
In 1865, the Confederacy was defeated and Texas was readmitted to the Union. Also on June 19th (Juneteenth), slaves in Texas were told that slavery had been abolished one month ago. -
Texas Constitution adopted
The four main principles of the present-day constitution of Texas are popular sovereignty, limited state government through local control, separation of powers, and protection of personal rights and liberties. -
Oil Discovery
A contractor was hired in Corsicana, Texas to drill a water well, but found oil instead. This was the first major oil discovery west of the Mississippi. This discovery launched the first Texas oil boom.