On February 1, 1861, less than 20 years after Texas joined the Union, the Secession Convention met in Austin and adopted an Ordinance of Secession. The proposal was approved by voters and was accepted by the provisional government of the Confederate States of America.
In part, the Ordinance read:
Whereas, the Federal Government has failed to accomplish the purposes of the compact of union between these States, in giving protection either to the persons of our people upon an exposed frontier, or to the property of our citizens; and whereas, the action of the Northern States of the Union is violative of the compact between the States and the guarantees of the Constitution; and whereas the recent developments in Federal affairs, make it evident that the power of the Federal Government is sought to be made a weapon with which to strike down the interests and prosperity of the people of Texas and her Sister slaveholding states, instead of permitting it to be as was intended, our shield against outrage and aggression.
The Ordinance went on to state that it would be submitted to the people of Texas for ratification or rejection by the qualified voters thereof, on the 23rd day of February 1861, and unless rejected by a majority of the votes cast, shall take effect and be in force on and after the 2nd day of March 1861.
However, even before the Ordinance could be voted on, Texas was accepted into the Confederacy.
Learn more about Texas and the Confederacy
The Seventh Star of the Confederacy: Texas During the Civil War
Moss Bluff Rebel: A Texas Pioneer in the Civil War
Texas Civil War Artifacts: A Photographic Guide to the Physical Culture of Texas
Great book – thanks for the heads-up.
Forgot to mention – check out the Texas pages at the USGenWeb – they’re really filled with great information.