The Archives War: Austin Fights to Stay the Capital

President Sam Houston wanted to move the Texas Republic's government back to Houston in 1842, fearing Austin was too exposed to Mexican and Native raids. He sent a company of Texas Rangers under Col. Thomas I. Smith to take the government archives from Austin. Innkeeper Angelina Eberly fired a six-pound cannon at the departing wagons to raise the alarm. The archives stayed in Austin.

This episode — called the Archives War — helped seal Austin's status as the permanent capital. When Texas statehood took effect in 1846 Austin served as capital, and voters confirmed it as the permanent seat of government in an 1850 election. The city's population had dropped below 200 people during the uncertainty but recovered once its status was secured.