Texas in the Mexican War

Following the annexation of Texas by the United States, President James K. Polk sought establish U.S. authority of the disputed Nueces Strip, the land between the Nueces River and Rio Grande. After negotiations failed, General Zachary Taylor was sent to the disputed territory supported by several companies of Texas Rangers. When fighting commenced in April 1846, Texas responded by sending three regiments of troops to support Taylor, two mounted regiments and one of infantry. In total, Texas would raise seven regiments, two battalions, and twenty-one independent companies though there were overlaps in service across enlistments.

Texas mounted units were commonly referred to as Rangers and were recognized for their courage and audacity. Others criticized their tactics as harsh and excessive, especially among the Mexican civilian population. Texans fought in both Taylor’s campaigns in northern Mexico as well as General Winfield Scott’s campaign to Mexico City. Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which set the Texas border at the Rio Grande, the Army maintained a significant presence along the border and western frontier of Texas. Many of the Army facilities built during the war and in the years afterwards were named in honor of those killed during the war.