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The Archive War in Texas 1842

In 1836, Texas broke away from Mexico and declared itself an independent republic. The Gulf Coast city of Houston, founded in 1836 and named in honor of Samuel Houston (1793-1863), served as the republic's capital from 1837 to 1839, when it was moved to Austin. When an invasion by Mexicans and Indians seemed imminent in 1842, Texas' President Houston moved his administration to the city of Houston and ordered that the government archives be transferred there from Austin. Citizens of Austin, fearing that if the archives were moved the capital itself would soon be relocated, hid the official records. Houston sent an armed force to do his bidding, while confusion and secret dealings prevailed. At the end of the year, soldiers dug up the hidden archives and loaded them on wagons for the trip to Houston, but irate citizens pursued the wagons and forcibly brought them back to Austin. Rather than risk the destruction of the republic's records, Houston agreed that the capital would remain in Austin, where it remains today.
Last Update: December 16, 2000

Armed Conflict Events Database

Armed Conflict Events Data (ACED) is an research project providing independent information about known wars, international disputes, civil wars, rebellions, coups, revolutions, genocides and other violent conflicts. ACED has been online since December 2000. Various partial revisions and modifications have been implemented since then, however, the limitations of the this format hamper further development. During 2005, the decision was made to radically restructure the available conflict information into a database. The new Armed Conflict Events Database (ACEDb) will substantially increase the utility of available conflict data for students of military history. As well, it will offer expanded opportunities to add and edit records of conflict. Existing research material will be maintained in its present form but no revisions are planned. More news about the development of ACEDb may be found at News About the Armed Conflict Events Database. Feedback is welcome.