Sam Houston served two terms as president of the Republic of Texas. His first term lasted from 1836 to 1838, and his second lasted from 1841 to 1844. During both terms, Houston faced the difficult task of leading a new nation with limited money, an uncertain relationship with Mexico, and conflicts over land and relations with Indigenous nations.
Houston’s First TermHouston became the Republic’s first regularly elected president in 1836. He had become widely known after leading the Texan army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. The city of Houston was founded that same year and named in his honor. It served as the capital of the Republic during much of his first term.
One of Houston’s priorities was reducing military spending. Texas had built up significant debt during the Revolution, and maintaining a large army was expensive. Houston placed many soldiers on furlough, temporarily releasing them from active military service while still keeping them available if they were needed.
Houston also generally favored negotiation over military conflict with Indigenous nations. He attempted to maintain peaceful relations with several Indigenous groups, although conflicts between settlers and Indigenous peoples continued as settlement expanded into lands used and controlled by Native nations.
Another major goal was annexation, or joining the United States. In 1836, Houston sent the captured Santa Anna to Washington, D.C., and Texas officials pursued annexation. The United States, however, was not ready to admit Texas. Houston eventually withdrew the request near the end of his first term.
Houston also faced unrest within Texas. In 1838, the Córdova Rebellion involved Mexican residents in East Texas and some Indigenous allies who opposed the Republic’s government. The rebellion was defeated, but it demonstrated that political and military tensions remained even after the Texas Revolution had ended.
Because the Constitution did not allow a president to immediately succeed himself, Houston left office in 1838. Mirabeau B. Lamar became the next president. Houston later served in the Texas Congress and became a strong critic of several of Lamar’s policies, particularly increased government spending and military campaigns against Indigenous nations.
Houston’s Second TermHouston returned to the presidency in December 1841. By then, the Republic’s financial problems had become even more serious. Houston responded by cutting government expenses, reducing the number of government offices, and lowering salaries.
His efforts to save money sometimes created controversy. Houston and Congress even attempted to sell the ships of the Texas Navy because maintaining them was expensive. Residents of Galveston opposed the sale and prevented the ships from being removed.
Houston again sought more peaceful relations with Indigenous nations. His administration negotiated treaties with several Indigenous groups in an effort to reduce conflict. His approach differed sharply from the more aggressive policies pursued during Lamar’s presidency.
Relations with Mexico also remained tense. Mexican forces entered Texas twice in 1842. Although many Texans demanded military retaliation, Houston tried to avoid beginning a larger war with Mexico.
After one Mexican invasion, Houston ordered government archives moved from Austin because he feared the city could be attacked. Residents of Austin resisted the removal of the records in an incident that became known as the Archive War.
After another Mexican invasion, Houston authorized General Alexander Somervell to lead a force toward the Rio Grande. Some soldiers later continued into Mexico without Houston’s approval. This became the Mier Expedition, which ended with many Texans being captured.
Houston also faced conflicts within Texas. In 1844, he sent militia forces to help end the Regulator-Moderator War, a violent feud in East Texas.
By the end of Houston’s second term, Texas still faced debt, tensions with Mexico, and unresolved questions about its future. However, Houston had generally tried to reduce government spending, avoid large military conflicts, and maintain more peaceful relations with Indigenous nations. He left office in December 1844 and was succeeded by Anson Jones.