On October 22, 1836, Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first president of the Republic of Texas. He had led Texan forces to victory over Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto earlier that year. As president, Houston faced problems such as debt, security threats, and relations with Native groups and neighboring countries. He also dealt with the question of whether Texas should remain independent or join the United States. Texas would eventually be annexed by the U.S. in 1845. Houston’s inauguration marked the formal start of the short-lived but important Texas Republic.
