Did you know?Before Austin became the capital of Texas, Houston served as the seat of government for the independent Republic of Texas. From 1837 to 1839, the city played an important role in the republic's early political developmen…
Before Austin became the capital of Texas, Houston served as the seat of government for the independent Republic of Texas. From 1837 to 1839, the city played an important role in the republic's early political development. Although its time as capital was relatively short, Houston became a center of government activity during a period when Texas was establishing itself as a new nation.
Houston Became the Capital in 1837
Houston was founded in 1836 by brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen, who named the settlement after Sam Houston, a prominent leader of the Texas Revolution and the republic's first elected president.
In 1837, Houston became the capital of the Republic of Texas, replacing Columbia, which had briefly served as the seat of government. The decision helped transform the young settlement into an important political and commercial center.
Houston Served as Capital for Two Years
During its time as capital, Houston hosted the republic's government officials, legislative meetings, and administrative activities. The city was still developing, with muddy streets, basic wooden buildings, and limited infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, Houston attracted settlers, merchants, and government workers. Its location near Buffalo Bayou also provided access to transportation routes that supported trade and encouraged economic growth.
Austin Replaced Houston as the Capital in 1839
In 1839, President Mirabeau B. Lamar supported moving the capital to a new location along the Colorado River. The government selected the settlement of Waterloo, which was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, an important figure in early Texas history.
The government officially moved to Austin in October 1839, ending Houston's initial two-year period as the republic's capital. Houston briefly served as the seat of government again in 1842 because of concerns about Mexican military threats.
Houston's Lasting Historical Importance
Although Houston no longer serves as the capital of Texas, its early role in the republic helped establish its political and economic importance. The city's location, transportation connections, and growing commercial activity contributed to its development.
Today, Houston is the largest city in Texas and one of the nation's major economic centers. Its history as the former capital of the Republic of Texas remains an important part of its heritage.