Did you know?When Texas became the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, its estimated population was approximately 125,000 people, excluding Indigenous populations that were generally not included in historical estim…
When Texas became the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, its estimated population was approximately 125,000 people, excluding Indigenous populations that were generally not included in historical estimates. This was a relatively small population considering the vast size of Texas. However, the region was experiencing significant growth as settlers arrived from other parts of the United States and abroad.
Texas Experienced Rapid Population Growth
During the early years of the Republic of Texas, the population increased as more settlers moved into the region. In 1836, when Texas declared independence from Mexico, its population was estimated at approximately 50,000, excluding most Indigenous inhabitants.
By 1845, that number had grown to roughly 125,000. Much of this increase resulted from migration, particularly from southern states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Many newcomers were attracted by the availability of land and opportunities for farming and trade.
Who Lived in Texas in 1845?
The population of Texas included Anglo-American settlers, Tejanos of Mexican heritage, European immigrants, free Black residents, and enslaved African Americans. Indigenous communities, including the Comanche, Apache, and Caddo, also lived throughout the region, although they were generally excluded from official population estimates.
Slavery was an important part of the republic's economy, especially in agricultural areas where cotton production was expanding. By 1845, approximately 30,000 enslaved people lived in Texas, accounting for nearly one-quarter of its estimated non-Indigenous population.
Texas Became the 28th State in 1845
Texas officially joined the United States on December 29, 1845, after nearly nine years as an independent republic. Annexation brought new opportunities for economic development, migration, and trade, while also intensifying political disputes over slavery and territorial expansion.
At the time, most of the population was concentrated in eastern and southeastern Texas, where access to rivers, fertile land, and established settlements supported farming and commerce. Much of western Texas remained sparsely settled by newcomers and was home to established Indigenous communities.
Texas Continued to Grow After Statehood
Texas experienced substantial population growth during its first decades as a U.S. state. The federal census of 1850 recorded 212,592 residents, a considerable increase from the estimated population at annexation.
By 1860, the population had climbed to more than 600,000. Immigration, agricultural expansion, and the establishment of new communities contributed to this growth. The expansion of plantation agriculture and slavery also played a major role in the state's changing population.
The Historical Significance of Texas's Early Population
The estimated population of 125,000 in 1845 provides an important perspective on how much Texas has changed since becoming part of the United States. At the time, the state had relatively few developed towns, limited transportation infrastructure, and large areas beyond the control of its government.
Over the following decades, Texas developed into one of the country's most populous states. Its early population growth helped establish the communities, agricultural industries, and economic foundations that influenced its future development.