The Point Isabel Lighthouse

In the 1820s, American settlers streamed into the Mexican Territory of Texas in such numbers that Mexico became concerned, ceased giving land grants, and in 1830, banned further immigration. General Santa Anna established a dictatorship in 1834 and the following year the Americans in Texas revolted. The general and his army put down the revolt at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, but Sam Houston countered with his rag-tag Texan army and defeated Santa Anna a month later, ensuring Texas's independence. For nine years Texas was an independent republic. In 1845 it became the 45th state of the Union.