Texas in the 1800's By akiture 1821 Texas becomes part of Mexico Period: 1821 to 1906 Texas in the 1800's Timeline 1836 Texas declares independence from Mexico 1840 All free African Americans are told to move out of their homes 1857 Charles Goodnight joins Texas Rangers 1861 Texas joins the Confederacy 1865 Texas slaves learn they are free on June 19 1866 The US Congress passes 14th Amendment 1873 Joseph Glidden sets barbed wire fences 1880 The last remaining Native tribes forced to Mexico 1885 Creation of King Ranch 1900 Texas population over 3 million