Downtown Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Former Site of Capitol, Republic of Texas
Former Site of Capitol, Republic of Texas
Texas won its independence from Mexico on April 21, 1836, and became a separate nation. Within a few months the Republic of Texas’s Congress selected the recently-founded town of Houston as the new nation’s temporary capital.
In their campaign to have Houston selected as the seat of government, the Allen brothers promised to erect a Capitol. Hastily constructed of timber brought from Maine, this building served as government headquarters until late 1839 when the capital was moved to Waterloo, later renamed Austin. When the capital relocated, this building became the Capitol Hotel.
Photo: Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
The founders of Houston named their town for General Sam Houston, who led the Texian forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto near the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and the San Jacinto River. Immediately after the town was founded, Sam Houston was elected president of the Republic of Texas.
Photo: Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
Various flags were used during the Texas Revolution. After the Republic was formed, several attempts were made to design an official one. In January 1839 this design was adopted as the national emblem. It remains the flag of the State of Texas today.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1839.
Location. 29° 45.607′ N, 95° 21.759′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Downtown Houston. Marker is on Texas Avenue east of Travis Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Houston TX 77002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of the Organization of Lady Washington Chapter, NSDAR (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Capitol of the Republic of Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Busy Corners (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ Church Cathedral (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); State National Bank Building (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Christ Church Cathedral (about 500 feet away); Kress Building (about 500 feet away); Gulf Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.