From Republic to State: Debates and Documents Relating to the Annexation of Texas, 1836-1856

History

As one of only two sovereign nations to become a part of the United States of America, the Republic of Texas and its annexation occupies a unique place in American history. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, played an important role in leading the Republic during this tense period of debate. In 1972, the Jones family library became part of the Texana Collection at the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries. This collection contains a number of primary and secondary materials relating to Texas as a Republic, the turmoil of Annexation, and the final conversion to statehood.

About the Collection

In addition to these materials, items from the Mary Jones Collection are included, and a few letters focus on her husband Anson Jones and how his image was harmed by the annexation debate. Other letters exchanged between Mary Jones and publishers, family, and friends describe the general effort to provide information about Anson Jones to the public.

Materials from the Federal Documents Collection include the U.S. Congressional debates, correspondence among U.S., Mexico, and Texas officials regarding annexation, and U.S. Congressional reports related to the annexation question. The annexation of the Republic of Texas to the United States of America is arguably one of the most controversial events in Texas history, and by making these resources available online, historians, Texas history buffs, educators, and students have ready access to these materials to support research and learning on the topic of the annexation debate.