Sixth Capital, West Columbia

Columbia (now West Columbia) became the sixth capital of Texas. It was founded by Josiah Hughes Bell in 1826. It was the first official capital of the new Republic. The newly elected Texas legislature met there for the first time on October 3, 1836. Sam Houston was inaugurated president on October 22, 1836. The House of Representatives and Senate met in small houses at the time where a state historical marker was later placed. Many complained though that Columbia was too small and did not have adequate accommodations for government personnel. They demanded a new location. On November 30, 1836, Congress met to decide to move the government to Houston.

The photo is a replica of the 1836 capitol in West Columbia, courtesy of the Texas Almanac.