Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Texas Presidents & Vice Presidents

Anson Jones, the fifth president of Texas, led Texas as it became the 28th state of the United States. Explore his early years, learn how he attained the presidency, and check out primary texts and timelines that provide a complete look...

Why was Mirabeau B. Lamar coined the "Father of Texas Education"? Why was his term as Texas president marred with failure? Explore this Texas president--his early years, his years as president, and later years--through primary texts,...

Samuel Houston's influence on Texas' early history is immeasurable. Get to know this Texas president through this site, complete with primary texts and timelines, and learn why this man was president, not once--but twice. Includes...

What happened to Sam Houston after his first term as president of Texas? How did he come to take office again, after Mirabeau B. Lamar? Find the answers to these questions and others, and explore the personal life and second presidency...

On this website from the Texas State Library you can read about an early attempt by Americans, led by James Long, to establish a "Republic of Texas." Click on the document to see an enlargement of the list of men captured by the Mexican...

Learn much information about the history of Texas and in particular its state parks. Includes suggested reading material and links to related sites.

Read about early struggles between Americans and the Mexican government in this article from the Texas State Library. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions were made by rebels against Mexican rule. Click on the document to enlarge it and to read...

It took "nine long and bruising years" for the Republic of Texas to join the United States. Why did it take so long? Who were the people involved in this process? Explore the Texas Annexation through the articles, artwork, and documents...

Biographies of the Governors of Texas from 1846 to the present.

Described as "dignified and articulate," David Burnet was the first president of Texas, whose "controversial policies" that failed to unite Texans. Read about his early life and how he attained the presidency, and check out primary texts...