No, Texas is not the only U.S. state that was once an independent country. Several other states also have a history of functioning as independent nations or republics before their admission to the United States.
States That Were Once Independent Countries
While the Republic of Texas (1836-1845) is a well-known example, it is one of several instances where territories later became U.S. states after a period of sovereignty. The historical records indicate that other entities were also independent nations for a period, some for only a few years, before their integration into the United States.
Here are some notable examples:
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Texas: The Republic of Texas was an independent sovereign nation in North America, bordering the United States and Mexico, from 1836 to 1845. It was annexed by the United States and admitted to the Union as the 28th state on December 29, 1845.
- Period of Independence: March 2, 1836 – February 19, 1846
- Reference: Texas State Library and Archives Commission - Texas Annexation
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Vermont: The Vermont Republic, often referred to as the Green Mountain Republic, existed from 1777 to 1791. It was founded as an independent state during the American Revolutionary War and was not recognized by the Continental Congress, largely due to land disputes with New York. Vermont eventually negotiated its admission and became the 14th state in 1791.
- Period of Independence: January 15, 1777 – March 4, 1791
- Reference: Vermont Historical Society - The Independent Republic of Vermont
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California: The California Republic, also known as the Bear Flag Republic, was a short-lived, unrecognized state that seceded from Mexico in 1846. It existed for less than a month before its leaders offered it to the United States, which was then at war with Mexico.
- Period of Independence: June 14, 1846 – July 9, 1846
- Reference: California State Parks - The Bear Flag Republic
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Hawaii: The Kingdom of Hawaii was an internationally recognized independent state that existed from 1810 to 1893. Following a coup by American and European residents, it became the Republic of Hawaii (1894-1898). Its independence was then "shamefully denied," and it became a U.S. territory in 1898 before eventually achieving statehood in 1959. This transition from an independent monarchy to a republic (in name only) before becoming a U.S. territory and then a state fits the description of a former country transitioning to a U.S. state.
- Period of Independence (Kingdom/Republic): 1810 – July 7, 1898
- Reference: U.S. Department of the Interior - Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (Provides context on Hawaii's historical sovereignty)
Summary of Former Independent Entities that Became U.S. States
To illustrate, here's a concise overview:
| Former Nation/Republic | Period of Independence | Became U.S. State In |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of Texas | 1836 – 1846 | 1845 |
| Vermont Republic | 1777 – 1791 | 1791 |
| California Republic | June – July 1846 | 1850 (as part of US) |
| Kingdom/Republic of Hawaii | 1810 – 1898 | 1959 |
These examples demonstrate that while Texas's journey from republic to state is prominent, it is not a unique case in U.S. history.
