Anson Jones: The President Who Sealed Texas' Fate

In one of the most delicate moments in the history of Texas, Anson Jones stood at the center. When Sam Houston became president of the Texas Republic in 1836, the dream of annexation to the United States began to take shape. However, it was during Jones' presidency that the annexation treaty was finally signed. When Jones assumed office, he knew annexation was far from certain. Mexico still threatened Texas, near bankruptcy as trade with Europe was cut off, and the government was divided on the issue.

May marks two key anniversaries in the conflict between the United States and Mexico that set in motion the Civil War - and led to the annexation of Texas. The Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848, paved the way for the United States to acquire vast territories in the American West. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, gave the United States half of the Mexican territory.

On March 10, 1848, the Senate approved a treaty that led to California and much of the Southwest joining the United States. But the man who played a crucial role in this annexation process was Anson Jones, the president of Texas. Jones, a staunch supporter of annexation, worked tirelessly to convince the United States government of the benefits of adding Texas to the union. His efforts ultimately paid off when the annexation treaty was signed on February 16, 1846.

Often referred to as the first "dark horse," James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States from 1845 to 1849. His presidency marked a turning point in American history, as he was a strong advocate for expansionism and played a pivotal role in the annexation of Texas. Polk's determination to acquire Texas and expand the country's borders fueled tensions with Mexico and ultimately led to the Mexican-American War.

On this day in 1845, six months after the Congress of the Republic of Texas voted for annexation by the United States, Texas was admitted as the 28th state of the Union. The annexation of Texas was a significant event in American history, as it not only expanded the country's territory but also heightened tensions with Mexico, leading to the Mexican-American War.

Note: This is an excerpt from a history of Texas published in the Texas Almanac. The following history has been condensed and begins in the early 1800s when Texas was part of Mexico. It provides a brief overview of the events leading up to the annexation of Texas and the role of Anson Jones in sealing its fate.