Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar (1798-1859)
In 1836, Mirabeau Lamar was elected the first vice president of the Republic of Texas and was elected president the following term, serving 1838-1841. In contrast to Sam Houston, Lamar favored remaining a republic and opposed annexation to the United States. Under his administration the public debt of Texas grew. Lamar believed that the Texas border included Santa Fe, New Mexico. This gave the Republic access to trade with the far west through New Mexico, thereby securing extra income. Mexican officials disagreed and this continued the hard feelings between Mexico and Texas. Lamar relocated the Texas capital from Houston to the growing town of Austin to be closer to the interior development of the state. Lamar also stressed the need for public education in Texas.
Additional Information Can Be Found At...
Mirabeau Lamar State Historical Marker
Handbook of Texas Online: LAMAR, MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE