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The Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo was a key event in the Texas Revolution. This 13 day siege led by General Santa Anna against a small group of Texan defenders at Mission Concepción near San Antonio. While nearly all Texan defenders died, this battle became a symbol of Texan resistance and inspired the people of Texas to continue fighting for independence. -
Texas Declaration of Independence
A free and independent Republic of Texas was officially declared March 2, 1836. In this declaration, the Delegates of the People of Texas resolved that their "political connection with the Mexican nation has forever ended, and that the people of Texas do now constitute a free, Sovereign, and independent republic, and are fully invested with all the rights and attributes which properly belong to independent nations" (Texas Declaration of Independence, March 2, 1836). -
Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto was a decisive victory for the Texas Revolution. Rallied by their battle cry, "Remember the Alamo," the Texan forces led by General Sam Houston defeated the larger Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. -
The Treaty of Velasco
This treaty provided that hostilities would cease and Santa Anna would withdraw his forces below the Rio Grande and not take up arms again against Texas. Moreover, it included the agreement "that all Texan prisoners now in possession of the Mexican Army be forthwith released furnished with free passports to return to their homes in consideration of which a corresponding number of rank file now in possession of the Government of Texas shall be immediately released" (The Treaty of Velasco). -
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Presidency of Sam Houston
Houston ran as the hero who could bring unity, and received the overwhelming majority of votes in comparison to his running mates. Mirabeau Lamar, a courageous soldier during the revolution, won the vice presidency. Voters at this September 5 election also chose the first congress of the republic, unanimously endorsed the constitution written back in March, and overwhelmingly supported annexation to the United States. -
Death of Stephen Austin
On December 27, 1836 Stephen Austin, who was the Secretary of State and considered to be the "Father of Texas," died of pneumonia at the age of forty-three. This was a significant blow to new republic to its standing in the eyes of other nations. -
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Presidency of Mirabeau Lamar
The presidency of Lamar promised to stabilize and strengthen the republic by reversing the more cautious policies of Houston which was especially seen in his aggressive stance towards both the Indians and Mexico itself. While his presidency highlighted the many difficulties which faced the young Republic, his legacy was preserved in his role in establishing Austin as the capital of Texas. -
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Battle of the Neches
This battle was a key event of the Cherokee War of 1838-1839. Because of Lamar's aggressive policy towards the Indians as well as rumors of the Indians partnering with the Mexicans, Lamar found an excuse to justify an attack. Occurring on the headwaters of the Neches River in modern Van Zandt County, this battle destroyed the Cherokees and their allies as they were short of arms and ammunition. Thus, the five hundred or so warriors were over-run by Texans commanded by Rusk and Edward Burleson. -
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2nd Presidency of Sam Houston
The goals of Houston's second presidency revolved around restoring order and stabilizing the Republic's finances. In his first annual message to congress, Houston outlined policy changes intended to reverse what he saw as Lamar’s mistakes. According to Campbell, Texans held that, “Old Sam H. with all his faults appears to be the only man for Texas—He is still unsteady, intemperate, but drunk in the ditch is worth a thousand of Lamar and Burnet" (2018, p. 158). -
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Mier Expedition
The Mier Expedition was an unsuccessful military operation launched by Texas militia against Mexican settlements along the Rio Grande. They learned of the arrival of Mexican troops and decided to attack without first ascertaining how large a force they faced. The Texans who were running short of ammunition and supplies, surrendered after two days and were marched to Perote Prison where the majority remained until September of 1844. -
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Presidency of Anson Jones
The presidency of Anson Jones is marked by the transition of Texas from an independent republic to a state within the United States. While he was initially cautious regarding the timing of annexation, Jones is remembered for his peaceful and orderly integration of the Republic of Texas into the United States. -
Texas Admission Act
This Act, which formally admitted Texas into the United States as the 28th state, was signed by President James Polk on December 29, 1845. The terms of this annexation included Texas' retainment of its public lands and its public debt while all public buildings, weapons, and military establishments belonging to the republic were to be turned over to the United States. The United States would also settle boundary disputes and could possibly divide its territory into additional states.