Mirabeau B. Lamar

Mirabeau B. Lamar began his political trajectory serving as private secretary to Georgia Governor George M. Troup before migrating to the Republic of Texas. A central figure during the formative years of the republic, he shifted from his military service during the Texas Revolution to hold the highest executive offices in the state's nascent government.

Early Career and Relocation

Born in 1798 in Louisville, Georgia, Lamar spent his early life at his family's plantation. After failing in business ventures as a merchant and newspaper operator, he entered public service under Governor Troup. He served one term in the Georgia State Senate before his wife's death in 1830 and a subsequent unsuccessful run for the United States Congress led him to pursue law. By 1835, he relocated to Texas.

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Military Service in Texas

Upon arriving in Texas, Lamar joined the forces fighting for independence from Mexico. His conduct at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, where he rescued two trapped soldiers, earned him a battlefield promotion to colonel and command of the cavalry. Following the revolution, he was appointed Secretary of War in the interim government and later elected Vice President of the Republic of Texas, serving from 1836 to 1838.

Presidency and Policy

As President of the Republic of Texas between 1838 and 1841, Lamar directed state operations from the newly established capital in Austin. His administration pursued the removal of the Cherokee and Comanche peoples through military campaigns and established the Texas State Library. His efforts to secure international recognition from Great Britain, France, and Belgium yielded only provisional observers, and his issuance of paper currency known as Redbacks failed to stabilize the treasury.

Diplomatic Conclusion

Following his presidency, Lamar eventually returned to diplomatic service. In the final year of his life, spanning 1858 to 1859, he served as the United States Ambassador to both Nicaragua and Costa Rica. He died in 1859 in Richmond and was interred at the Morton Cemetery.

Fast facts

Born: 1798, Louisville
Died: 1859, Richmond
President of the Republic of Texas: 1838-1841
Vice President of the Republic of Texas: 1836-1838
United States Ambassador to Nicaragua: 1858-1859
United States Ambassador to Costa Rica: 1858-1859
Education: Princeton University
Burial: Morton Cemetery

Questions readers ask

What offices did Mirabeau B. Lamar hold?

He served as a member of the Georgia State Senate, member of the Texas House of Representatives, Vice President of the Republic of Texas, President of the Republic of Texas, and United States Ambassador to Nicaragua and Costa Rica.