Houston Elected: Texas Independence Solidified
Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas on September 5, 1836, winning 79% of the vote against two opponents. Houston, a former governor of Tennessee and close friend of Andrew Jackson, had led the Texan army to victory over Mexican President Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto five months earlier, capturing Santa Anna himself. As president, Houston inherited a bankrupt republic threatened by Mexico, which refused to recognize Texas independence, and by the Comanche, who controlled most of western Texas. Houston sought annexation by the United States, but the slavery question delayed American acceptance until 1845. Texas entered the Union as the 28th state, triggering the Mexican-American War.
September 5, 1836
190 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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