Transfer of sovereignty: the Republic of Texas becomes a US state

Background. The annexation of Texas was finalized through a joint resolution of Congress, culminating in its admission as the 28th state on December 29, 1845. President James K. Polk signed the legislation accepting Texas into the Union. The formal transfer of sovereignty, however, took place later in February 1846, when Texas relinquished its status as an independent republic. This transition marked the end of the Republic of Texas and the beginning of its status as a US state.

Transfer Ceremony. On February 19, 1846, Texas President Anson Jones officially marked the end of the Republic by personally lowering the Republic of Texas flag. He watched as the United States Stars and Stripes were raised for the first time on Texas soil. This act symbolized the relinquishment of sovereignty to the United States. The transfer of sovereignty occurred at the inauguration of Governor James Henderson, marking the transition from republic to state.

State Government Installation. The transition from a republic to a state involved the establishment of new political structures under US authority. Texas relinquished its sovereignty to the United States at the inauguration of Governor James Henderson on February 19, 1846, marking the start of the new state government. This event solidified Texas's integration into the United States following President Polk's signing of the admission legislation on December 29, 1845. The retrieved passages do not specify the site of the government installation.