1836-1845

  • Siege & Battle of the Alamo

    The Alamo mission in San Antonio falls to Mexican General Santa Anna after a 13 day siege. James Bowie, Davy Crockett and William B Travis die, Travis's famous "Victory or Death" letter is written during this period.
  • Texas Declaration of Independence

    Delegates at Washington declare Texas independence from Mexico
  • Constitution of the Republic of Texas

    Legal document that modeled after the U.S. Constitution but with unique provisions
  • Goliad Massacre

    About 400 Texian soldiers are killed under Santa Anna's orders after surrendering at the Battle of Coleto Creek
  • Battle of San Jacinto

    Texian forces under General Sam Houston defeat Santa Anna's army, securing Texan independence.
  • Santa Anna is Captured

  • Treaties of Velasco

    Santa Anna signs treaties recognizing Texas independence, even though these are disputed by Mexico
  • Sam Houston: President of Republic of Texas

    Sam Houston becomes the first president of the republic of Texasexas
  • Texas Formally Seeks U.S. Annexation

    The proposal is rejected due to slavery concerns
  • Mirabeau B. Lamer 2nd President

    Promotes aggressive expansion, a strong military, and public education, opposes Native America policies
  • Battle of the Neches

    Conflict between the Texas army and the Cherokee, resulting in their removal from East Texas
  • Lone Star Flag Adoption

    National Flag of Texas
  • Council House Fight

    Failed peace negotiation between Texas officials and Comanche leaders, leading to violence
  • Sam Houston Returns As President

    Focuses on financial stability and diplomatic relations. He reduces the army and explores renewed U.S. annexation efforts.
  • Mexican Incursions Into Texas

    Mexico briefly occupies San Antonio, leading to the failed Texan retaliatory Mier Expedition
  • Haden Edwards ca. 1845

    Having invested $50,000 and three years just to secure his empresario contract for the Nacogdoches area, Edwards was very reluctant to give up his position. That reluctance turned into outright hostility when the Mexican government revoked his contract; an act that led directly to the Fredonian Rebellion.
  • U.S. Congress Passes A Resolution To Annex Texas

  • Texas State Constitution Adoption

  • Texans Approve Annexation In A Public Vote

  • Texas State Constitution Effect

    1st constitution of Texas as a U.S. State took effect
  • Texas Formally Joins The U.S. As The 28th State