The disUnited State of Texas Propaganda and politics from the era of the Republic of Texas (1836-1846)

'Remember the Alamo!' The Alamo fell to the Mexican Army on March 6, 1836. While a staggering defeat at the time, the massacre was anything but demoralizing. Sam Houston's Texas Army caught their foes napping only a month and a half later at the Battle of San Jacinto, and with "Remember the Alamo" as their rallying cry defeated the Mexicans and won their independence. Check out these rare artifacts from the time of Texas Independence leading up to its admittance to the United States in 1845.

less 'Remember the Alamo!' The Alamo fell to the Mexican Army on March 6, 1836. While a staggering defeat at the time, the massacre was anything but demoralizing. Sam Houston's Texas Army caught their foes napping ... more Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 30 Caption Close The disUnited State of Texas 1 / 30 Back to Gallery

Believe it or not, there was a time – probably before we Texans came up with Dr Pepper and Shiner Bock – that not everyone was so keen on Texas being a part of the United States.

Documents from that era, 1836-1846, show two nations strongly divided between the sense of adventure Texas seemed to offer and how its politics would change both countries.

Largely at issue was Texas' pro-slavery status, and how its annexation would throw the power in the U.S. Congress more toward the Southern states.

For 10 years, the issue divided both Americans and Texans, creating fortunes, sinking political careers and selling plenty of newspapers.

(Photos courtesy U.S. Library of Congress)