The city of Dallas and the state of Texas have a rich, though tumultuous, history full of significant events. Today, we’ll discuss an important political milestone that shaped the development of our region: the annexation of Texas into the United States. Read more on dallas-yes.com.
Texas Was Independent for Ten Years
The history of Texas is both fascinating and complex. The Republic of Texas existed as an independent country for nearly ten years, from 1836 to 1845, following its independence from Mexico. On March 2, 1836, delegates at a convention of American settlers in Texas unanimously declared independence from Mexico. David Burnet was elected interim president, and Sam Houston became the commander of the armed forces. Although Mexico did not recognize Texas’s independence, the declaration was effectively upheld after the Mexican army was defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto.
Texas’s independence did not last long. On March 1, 1845, U.S. President James Polk signed a bill to annex Texas. A few months later, the Texas Congress unanimously rejected Mexico’s proposals and voted to join the United States. The decision was confirmed on July 4, 1845, by a convention of Texas residents, mostly U.S. natives. As a result, on December 29, 1845, President Polk signed the law formally admitting Texas as the 28th state of the United States.
The U.S.-Mexico War
Mexico could not accept the loss of its territory to the United States. This led to the Mexican-American War, which began in April 1846. The United States emerged victorious, significantly expanding its territory to include lands that now make up California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Dallas — One of Texas’s Largest Cities
This article also highlights the history of Dallas, one of Texas’s leading cities. Dallas was founded during the time of the Republic of Texas in 1841. The city’s founder was merchant John Neely Bryan, who arrived from Arkansas to start trading in the region. He initially explored the area and then established the first trading posts, which became the foundation of the settlement.
In 1846, Dallas County was officially established, named after George Dallas, the 11th Vice President of the United States. By 1856, Dallas had the status of a town, and in 1871, it became an official city.
The construction of the railroad in the 1870s played a crucial role in the city’s growth, boosting both population and economic development. Dallas became a center for trading cotton, grain, and other goods. By the early 20th century, Dallas had transformed from a small agricultural hub into a major financial and commercial center of Texas.
The annexation of Texas into the United States was not without bloodshed. The conflict between Mexico and the United States led to the Mexican-American War, which ended in an American victory. As a result, the U.S. gained not only Texas but also vast territories in the modern Southwest, dramatically reshaping the map of North America. This struggle remains one of the pivotal chapters in the history of our region.
We hope this article has been informative and helped you learn more about your city and the state of Texas.