Texas and Texans in the Civil War: Slavery and Secession

Introduction

In February 1861, Texas joined other states in seceding from the federal government of the United States (Howell 132). The federal government opposed slavery, but Texans supported it, arguing it was the only viable way of life. For this reason, Texas became part of the Confederacy with the hope of improving their circumstances. Texans did not anticipate that the future would bring the disasters of war and its related consequences. This paper focuses on the involvement of Texas and Texans in the Civil War and the significant battles in which they participated.

Texas, the Union, and the Confederacy

Texas was among the states that seceded from the United States due to differences in approaches toward slavery and trade. The United States government supported the abolition of slavery, but Texas supported its continuation (Howell 86). The southern states depended heavily on trade, mainly importing goods from various places, but this became difficult after the introduction of trade tariffs. Eventually, southerners lost their businesses and were left primarily with cotton plantations. At the same time, enslaved people sought freedom, and it was in this context that Texas seceded from the central government to concentrate on its own concerns (Wooster 1). Among the most important issues Texans focused on were reforming states' rights, sectionalism, and slavery.

The Bureau of the Census reported that Texas had approximately more than 180,000 slaves in 1860 (Wooster 1). Such a number was sufficient to work effectively on Texans' cotton plantations and bolster an economy that had already been weakened by the collapse of businesses following the government's imposition of tariffs. The Union wanted to free the enslaved people rather than allow them to continue working for Texans, which heightened tension between the Union and the Confederacy and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War (Howell 91). Nearly a third of the Texas population consisted of enslaved people working on plantations, and Texans were prepared to fight the Union to retain slavery in their region. Barely a decade had passed since Texas had joined the United States in 1845. The growing tension over the slavery question ultimately led Texas to play significant roles in the Civil War. Initially, Texas was conflicted about which side to support — the Union or the Confederacy — but it eventually aligned with the Confederacy.

Texas Before the Civil War: Revolution and Statehood

Before the Civil War began, Texas had been involved in the Texas Revolution, which was primarily focused on liberating the region from Mexico (Wooster 1). Texas fought for its independence and became a Republic. The next step was statehood, but the North and South were deeply divided over the slavery issue. This division delayed Texas's admission as a state, though it was eventually granted after the South prevailed in that debate. However, the conflict between the South and the North did not end there; it worsened through raids and riots, resulting in further destruction and loss of life.

Texas's Military Contributions and Key Battles

Texans willingly responded to the call to join the Confederacy, including serving in the army. Texas contributed approximately 90,000 men to fight in the Civil War from 1861 until the war's end (Wooster 1). Notable leaders such as Ben McCulloch and John Hood also came from Texas, demonstrating the state's significant influence on the war effort. The Union, for its part, was also a formidable force and invaded several Texas cities. Confederates defended themselves vigorously in response. Throughout the Civil War, the frontier forces from Texas were frequently attacked by Indigenous Americans on the frontier. Despite Texas fielding a strong army, such attacks were possible because the Civil War itself demanded most of their attention. The Civil War ultimately concluded at the Battle of Palmito Ranch in Texas, where the final engagement took place after countless lives had been lost.

Based on the historical record, Texas and Texans' involvement in the Civil War was driven by opposition to the federal government's move to eliminate the right to own slaves. Although not all Texans owned slaves, many wanted the government to allow individuals the freedom to acquire slaves if they chose (Wooster 1). Texas was also a prominent state for other reasons, including its economic stability and strong connections to the South. Texans were united in their belief that slavery was vital for economic growth. The war did not always favor Texas, especially in its major cities. Galveston, for instance, was among the largest cities in Texas and home to the state's main port (Moneyhon 10). When the Civil War began, the federal government blockaded the port, causing many residents of Galveston to relocate. This disruption affected the economy not only for Texans but for other Southerners as well. Marshall, Texas, provided valuable resources for the war effort, such as gunpowder, which helped strengthen the Texas army during the Civil War and in conflicts with Native populations.

Conclusion

The participation of Texas and Texans in the Civil War was rooted in the issue of slavery, which escalated into full tension following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. Unlike the federal government, Texans wanted the freedom to own slaves if they chose. Texans' businesses were collapsing rapidly after the new federal government imposed tariffs, making cotton farming the primary means of sustaining the economy. Texans believed the success of cotton farming depended on enslaved laborers who would work their plantations. The federal government, by contrast, demanded that enslaved people be freed. These differences led to the formation of the Union and the Confederacy. Texas aligned with the Confederates after seceding, and the resulting tension produced several battles — the most significant of which was the Civil War itself. The war ended in 1870, and Texas rejoined the Union.

Works Cited

Howell, Kenneth Wayne, ed. The Seventh Star of the Confederacy: Texas During the Civil War. No. 10. University of North Texas Press, 2009.

Moneyhon, Carl H. Texas After the Civil War: The Struggle of Reconstruction. No. 14. Texas A&M University Press, 2004.

Wooster, Ralph A. "Civil War." Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), 2021,