Anglo-American residents of Mexican Texas and, later, the Republic of Texas
"Texican" redirects here. For the 1966 film, see The Texican.
Texians were Anglo-American residents of Mexican Texas and, later, citizens of the Republic of Texas. Today, the term is used to identify early Anglo settlers of Texas, especially those who supported the Texas Revolution. Mexican settlers of that era are referred to as Tejanos, and American citizens of the modern State of Texas regardless of race and ethnicity are known as Texans.
A series of illustrations from the 19th-century book For the Liberty of Texas, depicting scenes from the Texas Revolution.
Many different settler groups came to Texas over the centuries. Spanish colonists in the 17th century linked Texas to the rest of New Spain. French and English traders and settlers arrived in the 18th century, and more numerous German, Dutch, Swedish, Irish, Scottish, Scots-Irish, and Welsh settled in the years leading up to Texas independence in 1836. Before Texas became a sovereign state in 1836, Texian referred to any resident, of any race, color or language.[1]
In 1834–1836, the Texian Army was organized for the Texas Revolution of independence from Mexico, a nation which had won its independence from Spain in 1821. Although the Texian army was predominantly made up of Anglo-Americans who traced their ancestries to Colonial America, it was a diverse group of people from many different nations and states.[2] The Texian Army was composed of Tejano volunteers,[3]: 24 volunteers from the Southern United States; and immigrants directly from Europe including countries like England, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Portugal, and what is now the Czech Republic.[4] Used in this sense, terms like "Texian Army", "Texian forces", or "Texian troops" would refer to any of the inhabitants of Texas, in that era, who participated in the Texas Revolution.
Texian was a popular demonym, used by Texas colonists, for all the people of the Republic of Texas (1836–1846), before it became a U.S. state.[5] This term was used by early colonists and public officials, including many Texas residents,[5] and President Mirabeau Lamar frequently used it to foster Texas nationalism.[5]
Over time, the English-speaking Americans in Texas began to champion the usage of "Texan" instead of "Texian". Overwhelming numbers in the United States used the term Texan. Due to the 19th-century influx of Americans into the Republic and later U.S. state of Texas, Texan[6] became the standard term after 1850.[5]
The Texas Almanac of 1857 bemoaned the shift in usage, saying
"Texian...has more euphony, and is better adapted to the conscience of poets who shall hereafter celebrate our deeds in sonorous strains than the harsh, abrupt, ungainly, appellation, Texan—impossible to rhyme with anything but the merest doggerel."[7]: 176
The Almanac continued to use the earlier term until 1868. Many who had lived through the times of Revolution and Republic continued to call themselves Texians into the 20th century.
Texians developed a unique cultural identity rooted in their Anglo-American background and shaped by their experience living under Mexican rule. Most came from the southern United States—places like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia—bringing with them English, Protestant religious traditions, and customs like private land ownership and a strong belief in personal independence.[8]
Though they lived in Mexican Texas, many Texians resisted adopting Mexican cultural norms such as Catholicism and the Spanish language. These differences often led to tensions with the Mexican government.[9] Still, Texians interacted with Tejanos (Mexican-born Texans), and some cultural blending occurred, especially in ranching, food, and local trade.[10]
Over time, the Texians began to see themselves as a separate group with their own values and identity. Their focus on liberty, local control, and property rights helped fuel support for the Texas Revolution. After independence, Texians embraced national symbols like the Lone Star and used revolutionary anniversaries to strengthen a shared sense of pride and distinctiveness from both Mexico and the United States.[8]
This strong sense of identity and independence helped drive many Texians to take up arms during the Texas Revolution, where they played a defining role in shaping the future of the region.
A photograph of the Gonzales Battle Memorial, commemorating the early skirmish that marked the beginning of the Texas Revolution.
Texians played a central role in the military campaigns that defined the Texas Revolution. As tensions with the Mexican government escalated, Anglo-American settlers and allied Tejanos formed militias and volunteer companies to resist centralist policies under President Antonio López de Santa Anna.
The Battle of San Jacinto, where Texian forces secured their independence from Mexico.
[11]The Texian Army, made up of volunteers from Texas and the United States, was crucial in battles such as the Siege of Bexar (1835), the Battle of the Alamo (1836), and the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. While early militia units were loosely organized, the army eventually came under more formal command, most notably led by Sam Houston, who would later become president of the Republic of Texas.[12]
In addition to the land forces, the Texian Navy was established to defend the coast and disrupt Mexican supply lines. Though small, the navy played a strategic role in securing independence by patrolling the Gulf of Mexico and engaging Mexican vessels.[13]
Military service became a key aspect of Texian identity. Volunteers from the United States and immigrants from Europe—including Irish, German, and British settlers—joined the Texian cause, often motivated by land grants and the promise of political freedom.[14]
The sacrifices made during battles such as the Alamo and Goliad became foundational to Texas’s historical memory, with Texians remembered for their fierce independence, militia organization, and determination to establish a sovereign republic.
Several prominent figures from the Texas Revolution and the Republic of Texas era were referred to as Texians. These individuals played critical roles in the struggle for independence and the formation of Texas as a republic.
Sam Houston, leader of the Texian Army during the Texas Revolution, played a pivotal role in securing Texas' independence from Mexico. Sam Houston – A former governor of Tennessee, Houston became the commander of the Texian Army during the Texas Revolution. He led Texian forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, securing Texas' independence. He later served as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas [15]
Stephen F. Austin – Often called the "Father of Texas," Austin was responsible for leading the first large wave of American settlers into Mexican Texas. Though initially a supporter of cooperation with Mexico, he later became an advocate for Texian self-rule.[16]
William B. Travis – Best known for his leadership at the Battle of the Alamo, Travis became a symbol of Texian resistance. His famous letter calling for reinforcements remains one of the most iconic documents of the Texas Revolution.[17]
Edward Burleson – A veteran of several key battles, including San Jacinto, Burleson served as vice president of the Republic of Texas and briefly commanded Texian forces. He was also an early Texas legislator.[18]
These individuals reflect the leadership and ideals that defined Texian identity—commitment to independence, military service, and the building of a new nation.
Texians were involved in various military actions, most notably during the Texas Revolution. The Texian Militia and the Texian Navy played vital roles in defending the territory and fighting against Mexican forces. The legacy of these armed forces remains a central part of Texas history.
^del la Teja, Jesus (1991), A Revolution Remembered: The Memoirs and Selected Correspondence of Juan N. Seguin, Austin, TX: State House Press, ISBN0-938349-68-6
^Todish, Timothy J.; Todish, Terry; Spring, Ted (1998), Alamo Sourcebook, 1836: A Comprehensive Guide to the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution, Austin, TX: Eakin Press, ISBN978-1-57168-152-2
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