Texas: Made Possible By The Tennessee Volunteers

Photo Credit: Library Photograph Collection Santa Anna’s wine chest was captured by Tennessee troops at the Battle of Cerro Gordo in April 1847. The leather wine chest is on display at the Tennessee State Museum.

Many people don’t know that Tennessee played a significant role in the statehood of Texas! During the 1830’s and 1840’s, Tennessee was one of the leading states to support Texas becoming an independent republic.

One famous Tennessean involved in the movement was former president Andrew Jackson, who supported the independence of Texas and was a vocal advocate for its annexation to the United States. Many Tennesseans traveled to Texas to fight in the revolution against Mexico, solidifying their reputation as the Tennessee Volunteers.

In fact, one of the most famous battles of the Texas Revolution was the Battle of Gonzales in 1835, where a small group of Texans, including several Tennesseans, resisted Mexican soldiers who were trying to seize a cannon. This battle is considered the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution. During the Battle of Cerro Gordo, Tennesseans captured Santa Anna’s leather wine chest while troops from Illinois took the commander’s wood and cork prosthetic leg! 

On December 29, 1845, Texas was officially admitted to the United States as the 28th state, with Tennessee being one of the first states to recognize its statehood.

The history between Tennessee and Texas is a fascinating and important part of American history. It shows the willingness of Tennesseans to support the cause of freedom and independence, even beyond their own state’s borders. #GoVols!