There was a brief period of time when Texas was an independent country. This was a ten year period between 1836 and 1846, after Texas won its independence from Mexico. Many battles were fought for Texas independence, the most famous of which was the Battle of the Alamo. In 1846, Texas was admitted into the United States and became the Texas we know today. During its period of independence, it was known as the Republic of Texas, and even had its own flag. It was a sovereign nation in every way.
During the period of Texan independence, it was the very embodiment of the term “the Wild West.” It was an excellent place for fugitives from the United States and Mexico to go to hide. Feuds between settling families who hoped to build a new life free from the laws of the United States in this new nation were common. Many of these feuds got violent, and some are still remembered as part of Texas lore. Texas was known for its wild, independent spirit, and to this day, when Texans utter the state’s unofficial motto of “Don’t Mess With Texas,” they mean it...