Skip to main content

This Day in American History

December 29

1 historic event on this date

Historical1845

Texas Admitted to the Union

Texas was admitted as the 28th state of the United States after nine years as an independent republic. The annexation of Texas was controversial, as it expanded slave territory and contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War.

Why It Matters

Texas's admission raised fundamental questions about territorial expansion, slavery, and the process by which new states join the Union, issues that defined antebellum American politics.

Explore the Principles Behind the History

Every event in American history connects to the founding principles. Discover the ideas that shaped these moments.

View the 28 Founding Principles