Today marks 189 years since Sam Houston was elected as the first President of the Republic of Texas. Now would be an appropriate time to tip your Stetson, fire up that cigar, down a whiskey shot, and give your best “Yee-haw”. In additional reading on this subject today I also learned that David G. Burnet served, prior to Houston’s election, as interim President (appointed, not elected) from Mar–Oct 1836 while the Texas Revolution was still underway. If you’re a Texan, here’s to some interesting and notable history to start your Friday. And if you’re not a Texan y’all can still celebrate along with us.
On This Day: September 5, 1836
Sam Houston elected first president of the Republic of Texas
Sam Houston, famed for his victory at San Jacinto, was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas. Though he entered the race just eleven days before the vote, Houston won decisively with 5,119 votes, far outpacing Henry Smith (743) and Stephen F. Austin (587). Mirabeau B. Lamar, another hero of San Jacinto, was elected vice president.
Houston’s popularity stemmed from his military leadership and the belief that his presidency would stabilize the new republic, attract international recognition, and accelerate annexation to the United States. He later served two presidential terms, became a U.S. senator, and was elected governor of Texas.
Reference: Sam Houston elected first president of the Republic of Texas. (n.d.). https://www.tshaonline.org/texas-day-by-day/entry/261
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