The Republic and Statehood

The Republic of Texas had adopted a constitution in March, and in October Sam Houston became its first elected president. The Texans also voted to have their country annexed by the United States, but a proposal to this effect was defeated in the U.S. Congress by members who feared conflict with Mexico and opposed admission of another proslavery state. The capital of the republic, established first at Columbia, was moved to Houston and in 1840 to Austin.

The republic encouraged immigration, and population grew from an estimated 30,000 American settlers in 1836 to 100,000 (not including slaves) in 1846. Cherokee Indians living in the northeast corner of the republic were driven out by force in 1839. In the west, however, Comanche raids restricted white settlement. In 1842 Mexico, which had never acknowledged the independence of Texas, invaded it twice.

Annexation of Texas by the United States was actively sought by President Tyler (1841–45) and was advocated by James K. Polk during the 1844 Presidential campaign. After Polk was elected but while Tyler was still in office, Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing annexation. On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state to enter the Union. Unlike most new states, which first became territories, Texas was admitted directly. A provision that Texas could be divided into as many as five separate states was never acted on.