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Texas History Before Annexation
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Texas Declaration of Independance
Texas declared its independence from Mexico, despite the revolution not being over yet. This established the Republic of Texas, after 59 delegates representing one settlement each approved the Texas Declaration of Independence. Texas State Library and Archives Commission -
Battle of San Jacinto
Sam Houston led 910 men to battle against 1200-1300 men under Santa Anna. The deciding factor was the destruction of Vince's bridge to prevent either side from falling back or receiving reinforcements from Harris. Santa Anna’s forces surrendered after only 18 minutes, and he was forced to sign the Treaties of Velasco. TSHA -
Inauguration of Sam Houston, the First Texan President
After the September 5th election, where Sam Houston won by 5,119 votes compared to Henry Smith's 743 and Stephen F. Austin's 587, Sam Houston became the first Texan President. His Inauguration on October 22 made him the first of four Texas Republic presidents. TSHA Digital Collections -
First U.S. Diplomat to Texas Appointed
Texas wished to be recognized as an independent republic by the United States, and their first major step was the appointment of Alcée Louis La Branche to be the first U.S. diplomat to Texas by President Andrew Jackson. This began the improvement of relations, and began the discussion of annexation. TSHA -
Inauguration of Mirabeau B. Lamar, Texas Second President
The Texas Constitution only allowed a two year presidency and no reelection for the first president, making Sam Houston not valid as an electoral candidate. He was replaced by Mirabeau B. Lamar, the Texas' Republic second president. His first message to congress included an announcement that he wished for an "exterminating war" against Indians, leading to many battles and massacres in his presidency. Gone to Texas -
Neches River Battle, Death of Chief Bowl
Despite Sam Houston signing a treaty declaring Indian land rights, Mirabeau Lamar's presidency led to the rejection of this treaty. Texas troops began occupying Cherokee land, which Chief Bowl protested. On July 15 1839, fighting began after several days of failed negotiations. On July 16, nearly 500 soldiers, including Chief Bowl, were overrun and destroyed by Texan forces. Humanities Texas -
Re-Election of Sam Houston
Despite Sam Houston's desire for peace being very unpopular, he defeated Vice President David G. Burnet in the third election of the Republic of Texas. This presidency struggled with finances, as the country had no money and was required to significantly cut spending. Texas State Library and Archives Commission -
Capture of San Antonio
After San Antonio was captured by Mexico to discourage immigration and investment in Texas on September 11, 1842, Sam Houston declared a national emergency and began making preparations for war. His desire to remove government archives from Austin during these preparations later led to the archive war, and the desire for conflict with Mexico after these invasions led to the unsuccessful Mier expedition. TSHA -
Inauguration of Anson Jones
Sam Houston's secretary of state, Anson Jones, was elected in 1844, after Houston's second term failed to accomplish annexation. Early in his presidency, he was mostly silent about most topics, even after U.S. President James K. Polk was elected on the platform of Texas annexation. He was almost removed from office at the Convention of 1845, but was instead censured. Texas State Library and Archives Commission -
Annexation of Texas into the United States
After nine years of being an independent republic, Texas was finally annexed into the United States as the 28th state. Texas had the right to secede or split into up to four more states. Texas gave up its public lands to the U.S. in return for the U.S. assuming all its bonded debt. Yale Law School, Lillian Goldman Law Library