-
Stephen Austin and the Texas Revolution
Stephen Austin, the “Father of Texas,” led several successful attacks during the Texas Revolution, including the Battle of Béxar. After Generalisimo Santa Anna countered with the Siege of Béxar, later known as the Battle of the Alamo, Texans engaged in a propaganda campaign and innovative financing, allowing the rebellion to persevere.
-
Financing the Republic of Texas
After gaining independence from Mexico in 1836, the newly formed Republic of Texas struggled to pay back borrowed money and build an economy. Bonds like these were issued in attempt to re-balance a bankrupt republic and offset the devalued Texas “redback” dollar in circulation at the time.
Left Image: This Texian $50 bill was called a “redback” were devalued at pennies on the American dollar, 1839; author Treasury Department of the Republic of Texas courtesy Wikimedia Commons [3]. Right Image: This map shows the Republic of Texas and other generalized US territories in 1837, 1919; author James McConnell and the Mcconnell Map Co, courtesy Library of Congress [4].
-
Sam Houston and the Texas Rangers
“Remember the Alamo” rang loud as Sam Houston led a surprise attack on Generalísimo Santa Anna at the Battle San Jacinto. Only lasting 18 minutes, this victory ultimately led to the Republic of Texas’ independence from Mexico. Houston became a major figure in Texas memory, as a war hero, the Republic of Texas’ first President, and for his role in creating the Texas Rangers.