On September 5, 181 years ago, Sam Houston became the first elected president of the Republic of Texas.
Houston entered the race just 11 days before the day of the election. And despite the fact that many considered some of his views controversial, he remained wildly popular in the Lone Star State. He beat his opponent, Stephen F. Austin, with about 80 percent of the vote.
Texas had won its independence from Mexico just a few months prior to the election. And Houston, as the commander of the Texas army, had played a huge role in that victory. With him at the helm, a few hundred Texans in less than 20 minutes destroyed Mexican forces at the Battle of San Jacinto. Houston became a Texas national hero.
Houston served two terms as president of the Republic of Texas. His first lasted until 1838. His second, due to the Texas Constitution’s ban on serving consecutive terms, took place when he was reelected in 1841. He served for three years in his last term. He helped stabilize the Texas economy and moved the small nation toward becoming a part of the Union in 1845.
After Texas gained statehood, Houston served as a U.S. senator until 1860. And almost immediately after leaving that position, he was elected Governor of Texas.
Houston served as governor up until the point Texas decided it wanted to join the Confederacy. Houston was staunchly opposed to secession, which added to the contradictions many people associated him with. He was, after all, a slave owner. But he was also against the spread of slavery. His position prompted Texas lawmakers to ask him to step down as governor. And he obliged.
It was the last time Houston would be involved in politics. He died on his farm in Huntsville in 1863 at the age of 70.
At Veteran Energy, we’re glad to share a little Texas history with you from time to time. We know it’s an important part of understanding the world we live in.
