Texas in the Civil War

Summary

In February 1861, Texas overwhelmingly voted to secede from the Union, with Governor Sam Houston opposing the move. Despite his resistance, he was removed from office. The state contributed significantly to the Confederacy, with 70,000 Texans joining the fight, including notable generals. While many Civil War battles occurred outside Texas, the last land battle took place in May 1865 at Palmito Ranch. The Confederacy's hopes were dashed the following month when General Kirby Smith surrendered. The arrival of federal troops in Galveston on June 19th led to the emancipation of slaves, commemorated today during Juneteenth celebrations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Texas legislators voted overwhelmingly (166 to 7) to leave the Union in February 1861, marking one of the most lopsided secession votes in the Lower South.
• 😀 Despite the strong secessionist movement, there was also significant pro-Union sentiment in Texas, notably from Sam Houston, a hero of Texas Independence.
• 😀 Sam Houston, the sitting Governor of Texas at the time, opposed secession and was removed from office after refusing to pledge allegiance to the Confederacy.
• 😀 Around 200,000 enslaved Texans were in the state, and 2,000 Texans fought for the Union during the Civil War.
• 😀 Approximately 70,000 Texans enlisted to fight for the Confederacy, contributing to the formation of 100+ infantry, artillery, and cavalry units.
• 😀 Over 150 Confederate officers, including notable generals like Albert Sidney Johnston and John B. Hood, were from Texas.
• 😀 Texas soldiers played significant roles in numerous Civil War battles, including at Antietam, Devil's Den, Little Round Top, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, and the Battle of the Wilderness.
• 😀 Despite the absence of major Civil War battles on Texas soil, the last land battle of the war took place in Texas at Palmito Ranch in May 1865, resulting in a Confederate victory.
• 😀 Texas’s involvement in the Confederacy ended when Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith surrendered the Army of the Trans-Mississippi at Galveston Harbor in June 1865.
• 😀 Federal troops arrived in Galveston in June 1865, marking the end of the Confederacy's presence in Texas and granting freedom to former enslaved people, an event commemorated by Juneteenth celebrations.

Q & A

What was the vote result in Texas regarding secession in February 1861?

In February 1861, Texas legislators voted overwhelmingly to leave the union, with a result of 166 to 7, making it the most lopsided vote for secession in any state in the Lower South, except for South Carolina.

Who was Sam Houston and what was his stance on Texas's secession?

Sam Houston was a hero of Texas Independence and the sitting Governor of Texas at the time of secession. He opposed the separation from the Union and refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy, which led to his removal from office.

What role did Texas play in the Confederate Army during the Civil War?

Texas contributed significantly to the Confederate Army, with over 70,000 Texans joining to fight for the Confederacy. They formed more than 100 infantry, artillery, and cavalry units, and more than 150 Confederate officers, including generals like Albert Sidney Johnston and John B. Hood, were from Texas.

How did Texans distinguish themselves on Civil War battlefields?

Texans were known for their bravery and fighting spirit, distinguishing themselves on many battlefields. Notably, John Bell Hood's Texas Brigade fought at critical locations like Devil's Den and Little Round Top at Gettysburg and participated in the Battle of the Wilderness.

What was the significance of the Battle of Palo Alto in Texas during the Civil War?

The Battle of Palo Alto, fought in May 1865, was the last land battle of the Civil War. It took place in Texas and resulted in a Confederate victory, even though the Confederacy's hopes were soon dashed afterward.

When did the final Confederate surrender take place, and what was its significance?

The final Confederate surrender took place in June 1865 when General Edmund Kirby Smith surrendered the remnants of the Army of the Trans-Mississippi in Galveston Harbor. This marked the effective end of the Civil War.

What happened after federal troops arrived in Galveston in June 1865?

Federal troops arrived in Galveston in June 1865 to restore order and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, granting freedom to former slaves. This event is still commemorated today as part of Juneteenth celebrations.

What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated?

Juneteenth commemorates the arrival of federal troops in Galveston in 1865, which marked the announcement of freedom for enslaved people in Texas. It is celebrated to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Why was Texas's secession vote considered one of the most significant in the Lower South?

Texas's secession vote was considered significant because it was the most lopsided in the Lower South, with a result of 166 to 7, reflecting strong support for leaving the Union. Only South Carolina had a similarly decisive vote.

What were the political consequences of Sam Houston's refusal to support secession?

Sam Houston's refusal to support secession led to his removal from office as governor. Despite his popularity as a hero of Texas Independence, his stance against the Confederacy cost him his position during this turbulent time.