On this day in 1861, Texas voted to secede from the United States

On February 1, 1861, Texas voted to secede from the United States and later joined the Confederate States of America.

This decision was part of the broader movement of Southern states leaving the Union over issues such as states' rights and slavery. Texas had strong economic and social ties to slavery, and many of its leaders supported the Confederacy.

Although the secession was approved by a statewide vote, not all Texans agreed with the decision. Governor Sam Houston, a staunch Unionist, opposed secession and refused to swear allegiance to the Confederacy. As a result, he was removed from office in March 1861.

Texas went on to play a significant role in the Civil War, supplying soldiers, resources, and key supply routes for the Confederacy. However, due to its geographical location, it saw fewer battles compared to other Southern states.

The war ended in 1865 with the Confederate surrender, and Texas was readmitted to the Union in 1870 during the reconstruction.