The Archives War: Austin Fights to Stay the Capital

In 1842, President Sam Houston wanted the Republic of Texas government records moved from Austin back to Houston. He feared Austin was too exposed to Mexican and Native raids, so he sent Texas Rangers under Col. Thomas I. Smith to take the archives.

Austin fought back in a very Austin way. Innkeeper Angelina Eberly fired a six-pound cannon at the wagons to raise the alarm, and the records stayed in town.

The episode became known as the Archives War. It helped secure Austin's claim as capital, and voters confirmed the city as the permanent seat of government in 1850.