History of the Republic of Texas

The Republic of Texas

For a decade (1836-1846), Texas stood alone as an independent nation. Born of a separatist revolt from Mexico, the Republic of Texas was sustained by fragile institutions, community militias, a small army, and a limited export economy built in part on enslaved labor. Explore the history of this era through Texapedia’s collection of in-depth, originally researched articles.

Military History The Republic of Texas

The Texas Navy’s Yucatán Campaign, 1841–1843

Commodore Edwin Ward Moore led Texan warships into battle against a superior Mexican fleet, relying on seamanship and gunnery to offset modern steam technology.

Texapedia StaffSeptember 2, 2025

Featured Texas History The Republic of Texas

History of the Republic of Texas

For a stormy decade (1836-1845), the Republic of Texas stood alone before agreeing to annexation by the U.S. This article provides a concise overview of the republic's origin, governance, external conflicts, and diplomacy.

Texapedia StaffMay 31, 2025

Biography Early Leaders of Texas Legal History The Republic of Texas

John Hemphill and the Foundations of Texas Jurisprudence

In the raw frontier courts of early Texas, John Hemphill carved out a lasting legal legacy—melding Spanish civil law with Anglo precedent to bring structure to a turbulent republic.

Texapedia StaffAugust 4, 2025

Biography Early Leaders of Texas Featured Mexican Texas (1821–1836)The Republic of Texas

Stephen F. Austin: American, Mexican, and Texan Statesman

Leader of the earliest American settlers in Texas, Austin guided his colony under Mexican rule until his imprisonment in Mexico City during the Texas Revolution.

Texapedia StaffJune 13, 2025

Texas History The Republic of Texas

The Allen Brothers and the Founding of Houston

The Allen brothers founded Houston in 1836 along Buffalo Bayou, near the San Jacinto Battlefield, promoting it as a capital and port for the new Republic. Its early success stemmed from both its strategic location and revolutionary symbolism.

Texapedia StaffJuly 31, 2025

Constitutions of Texas Legal History Texas History The Republic of Texas

Constitution of the Republic of Texas (1836)

Text and historical context of the 1836 Constitution of the Republic of Texas, adopted during the Texas Revolution.

Texapedia StaffJune 13, 2025

Legal History Texas History The Republic of Texas

Judiciary of the Republic of Texas (1836–1845)

History of the structure and traditions of the judiciary during the years that Texas was an independent nation.

Texapedia StaffJune 10, 2025

Primary Sources in Texas History The Republic of Texas Treaties & Agreements

U.S. Diplomatic Recognition of the Republic of Texas

U.S. recognition of the Republic of Texas was a pivotal moment in 19th-century diplomacy and discouraged European and Mexican intervention in the region while expanding the U.S.'s own diplomatic and territorial ambitions.

Texapedia StaffJune 15, 2025

Military History Texas History The Civil War The Republic of Texas

A Frontier Etched in Blood: Texan Attempts to Invade New Mexico

Texans invaded New Mexico in 1841, 1843, and 1862. Read about these attempts, why they failed, and view maps of the invasion routes.

Texapedia StaffJune 14, 2025

Geography & Demographics Historic Maps of Texas Primary Sources in Texas History The Republic of Texas

Map of the Republic of Texas (1844)

Map showing the borders, rivers, and major towns of Texas in 1844 during its time as an independent republic.

Texapedia StaffJune 2, 2025