Sam Houston always had people who opposed him, whether it concerned his political philosophy, his lifestyle or his military strategy. One such individual was Mirabeau B. Lamar. These two men would serve as the first two Presidents of the young Republic of Texas.
The list below shows the presidents and vice presidents of the Republic of Texas during its existence.
President
Vice President
David G. Burnet (Interim) Mar. 16, 1836 – Oct. 22, 1836
Lorenzo de Zavala Mar. 16, 1836 – Oct. 17, 1836
Sam Houston Oct. 22, 1836 – Dec. 10, 1838
Mirabeau B. Lamar Oct. 22, 1836 – Dec. 10, 1838
Mirabeau B. Lamar Dec. 10, 1838 – Dec. 13, 1841
David G. Burnet Dec. 10, 1838 – Dec. 13, 1841
Sam Houston Dec. 13, 1841 – Dec. 9, 1844
Edward Burleson Dec. 13, 1841 – Dec. 9, 1844
Anson Jones Dec. 9, 1844 – Feb. 19, 1846
Kenneth Anderson Dec. 9, 1844 – July 3, 1845
Source: Texas State Library and Archives Commission
The Republic began with the Treaties of Velasco in May 1836 and ended with the annexation of Texas, orchestrated by Anson Jones. Capitals of the Republic included Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco, Columbia, Houston and Austin. Some of these names are no longer familiar to us. Harrisburg became part of Houston; Velasco became part of Freeport.
The various presidents differed widely in their idealogy and vision for the future of Texas. We don’t intend to editorialize about what they believed, just to discuss them as individuals. Their personal views helped to shape the direction that the Republic took during its existence.