Revolution/Republic Timeline

  • 1836

    MARCH 2
    Texas declares independence from Mexico. APRIL 21
    Battle of San Jacinto. Victory over Mexican army and capture of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on the following day achieves de facto Texas independence. SEPTEMBER
    Texans vote on new government officers, national constitution, and the question of annexation to the United States. Vote overwhelmingly in favor of annexation.
  • 1837

    JANUARY 11
    Resolution to recognize Texas introduced in the U.S. Senate. JANUARY 17
    General Santa Anna arrives in Washington, DC. MARCH 3
    U.S. recognizes the Republic of Texas, the last act of the Jackson Presidency. MARCH 27
    U.S. Secretary of State reports that treaty agreements with Mexico prohibit the U.S.'s annexing Texas. AUGUST 4
    Texas minister to the United States presents U.S. government a formal offer from the Republic of Texas to annex itself to the United States.
  • 1838

    JANUARY 4
    Senator William C. Preston introduces a resolution for a tripartite treaty between the U.S./Mexico/Texas in the U.S. Senate. JUNE 14
    The above measure is tabled. JUNE & JULY
    John Quincy Adams speaks against the annexation of Texas all morning, every morning in the U.S. House of Representatives. OCTOBER 12
    Texas withdraws the offer of annexation because of the U.S. Congress' lack of action on the proposal.
  • 1839

    JANUARY 23
    Texas Congress passes joint resolution approving of President Sam Houston's withdrawal of annexation proposal.
  • 1843

    MARCH 3
    U.S. Senate passes a proposed commerce treaty with the Republic of Texas. However, the Senate's amendment of the original treaty terms causes the Texas Congress to reject the final version of the treaty. JUNE 15
    Sam Houston issues proclamation declaring armistice between Mexico and Texas.
  • 1844

    JANUARY
    President Houston submits annexation question to Texas Congress, then instructs minister to the U.S. to resume annexation talks. APRIL 11
    An annexation treaty between the U.S. and Texas signed between the two diplomats. JUNE 8
    U.S. Senate rejects the treaty, 35 to 16. JUNE 13
    U.S. Senate votes to table the Benton Annexation Bill.
  • 1845

    JANUARY 25
    Joint Resolution to annex Texas passes the U.S. House of Representatives. FEBRUARY 27
    Joint Resolution, with amendments to be voted on by the House, passes U.S. Senate 27 to 25. FEBRUARY 28
    House adopts Senate version of the joint resolution to annex the Republic of Texas 132 to 76. MARCH 3
    Annexation offer sent to Texas president Anson Jones. DECEMBER 29
    President Polk signs the Joint Resolution. Texas officially the 28th state on this date.