The Republic of Texas Congress

Floor Speech

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Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Texas was its own republic from 1836 to 1845. Just like any other republic, the young country had a legislature, outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. The Congress of the Republic of Texas was based on the United States Congress. Both were bicameral and had a similar committee structure and age requirements to be elected.

Throughout its short history, the Nation of Texas had nine congresses. The first Congress gaveled in on October 3, 1836 in Columbia, Texas. In November of 1839, the Texas Congress met for the first and only time in Austin. However, Austin was considered too dangerous of a meeting place because it was on the western frontier and more exposed to Native Americans, so the Republic's Congress would meet in Houston and Washington-on-the-Brazos between 1842 and 1845.

After Texas was admitted to the Union in 1845, Austin was reaffirmed as the capitol of Texas. The first capitol building in Austin was completed in 1855 but burnt down in 1881. The next capitol building, which is still where the state legislature meets, was dedicated in 1888. Texans are quick to point out that the Texas Capitol is 15 feet taller than the United States Capitol.

To belabor the point, the San Jacinto Monument that honors the victory and independence of Texas from Mexico, is taller than the similar Washington Monument.

And that's just the way it is.

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