List of Texas governors and presidents facts for kids

Texas has a long and interesting history, and it's been led by different people with important titles like governors and presidents since 1691. These leaders helped guide Texas through many changes under different flags:

• Spain (governors, 1691–1821): Texas was part of a huge Spanish territory called New Spain.
• Mexico (governors, 1821–1836): After Mexico won its independence from Spain, Texas became part of Mexico.
• Republic of Texas (presidents, 1836–1846): Texas became its own independent country!
• United States of America (governors, 1846–1861 and 1865–present): Texas joined the USA.
• Confederate States of America (governors, 1861–1865): During the American Civil War, Texas was part of the Confederacy.

Spanish Texas: Early Leaders (1691–1821)

For many years, from 1691 to 1821, Texas was known as the Kingdom of Texas (or El Reino de Tejas). It was a big part of the Spanish territory called the Viceroyalty of New Spain.

Governors of Coahuila and Texas

From 1691 to 1722, Texas and a nearby area called Coahuila were governed together. Even though they were separate regions, they shared the same leaders. The main government office was in Monclova, which is in Coahuila.

Some of the early governors during this time included:

• Domingo Terán de los Ríos (1691–1692)
• Gregorio de Salinas Varona (1692–1698)
• Francisco Cuervo y Valdés (1698–1703)
• Martín de Alarcón (who served two terms, 1705–1708 and 1717–1719). He is famous for helping to found San Antonio.

Governors of the Province of Texas

Starting in 1722, Texas began to have its own governors. For a while, the main government office was in Los Adaes, which was the official capital from 1729 to 1772. Later, in 1768, the government moved to San Antonio, which became the capital of Texas from 1772 until 1823.

Many governors served during this period, helping to shape early Texas. Some notable ones were:

• Fernando Pérez de Almazán (1722–1727)
• Juan Antonio Bustillo y Ceballos (1730–1734)
• Prudencio de Orobio y Basterra (1737–1741), who was one of the few non-military governors.
• Jacinto de Barrios y Jáuregui (1751–1759)
• Juan María Vicencio de Ripperdá (1770–1778)
• Antonio María Martínez (1817–1821), who was the last Spanish governor of Texas.

Mexican Texas: A New Era (1821–1836)

After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, Texas became part of the new country, the First Mexican Empire.

Governors of the Province of Texas

For a short time, Texas continued as a province within Mexico.

• José Félix Trespalacios (1822–1823) was one of the first governors under Mexican rule.
• Luciano García (1823) helped establish San Felipe de Austin, an important early settlement.

Governors of Coahuila y Texas

In 1824, Mexico created a new constitution. Under this constitution, Texas joined with Coahuila to form a larger state called Coahuila y Texas. The capital of this state was first in Saltillo, Coahuila, and later moved to Monclova, Coahuila, in 1833.

Many governors led Coahuila y Texas, including:

• Rafael Gonzales (1824–1826)
• José María Viesca (who served multiple terms between 1827 and 1831)
• Juan Martín de Veramendi (1832–1833)
• Agustín Viesca (1835) was one of the last governors before Texas began its fight for independence.

Texas Revolution: Fighting for Freedom (1835–1836)

During the Texas Revolution, Texans decided they wanted to be independent from Mexico. They formed an interim (temporary) government while they prepared for elections. The capital of the American colony of Texas was set up in San Felipe de Austin.

• Henry Smith (1835–1836) was the first governor of this temporary government.
• James W. Robinson (1836) took over briefly after Smith.

Republic of Texas: An Independent Nation (1836–1846)

After winning the revolution, Texas became its own country, the Republic of Texas! It had its own presidents, just like the United States.

• David G. Burnet (1836): He was the acting president during the revolution and helped set up the new government.
• Sam Houston (1836–1838 and 1841–1844): Sam Houston was a very famous leader in Texas history. He was the first elected president of the Republic of Texas. He also served as a governor and a U.S. Senator for Texas later on.
• Mirabeau B. Lamar (1838–1841): Lamar was known for his focus on education and expanding Texas.
• Anson Jones (1844–1846): He was the last president of the Republic of Texas. He oversaw Texas joining the United States.

State of Texas: Joining the United States

In 1846, Texas joined the United States and became a state. Since then, Texas has been led by governors who are elected by the people. You can learn more about them in the article List of governors of Texas.