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Texas under Reconstruction

Question of Reconstruction

Following the surrender of the South, Texas began to experience disintegration within its army and government. On June 11, 1865, unidentified individuals raided the state treasury, illustrating the chaos of the post-war period. A significant number of Confederate soldiers fled to other countries such as Mexico and Brazil in the aftermath. General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, where he declared all acts of the Texas government illegal, paroled members of the Confederate army, and proclaimed all slaves to be free—marking the significance of Juneteenth. Notably, during the war, many slaveholders had brought their slaves to Texas, believing they were safe from federal attacks, with estimates suggesting around 50,000 individuals. This influx contributed to Texas's unique situation, as the state possessed more gold than other states, making it crucial for trade with foreign countries.

Finances

By the time the Reconstruction era began, Texas was in a financial crisis with property values significantly reduced. President Andrew Johnson, who took office following Lincoln's assassination, appointed Andrew Jackson Hamilton as provisional governor of Texas on June 17, 1865. Johnson mandated that Texas should convene to establish a new civil government and create a new state constitution. Moreover, he required Texas to declare its secession null and void, repay its debts, and approve the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.

New Government and Civil Rights

Those who took an oath of loyalty to the United States were granted the opportunity to participate in the new governments. Most white males in Texas regained their civil rights, yet high-ranking Confederate officers and those who owned property valued over $20,000 were prohibited from voting or holding public office. Under Hamilton's leadership, a new constitution was proposed, which aimed to protect the life, liberty, and property of former slaves, ensuring equal protection under the law, though African Americans were still denied the right to vote or hold office.

Opposition to Hamilton

A conservative faction within Texas, led by James Throckmorton, opposed Hamilton's reconstruction plan. Throckmorton, who had opposed secession in 1861 but had served as a Confederate officer, was eventually selected as the chairman of the constitutional convention. During the convention, which took place after Hamilton called for elections on January 8, 1866, delegates declared secession illegal, repudiated the state debt, and delayed the approval of the 13th Amendment until 1870. The convention granted freedmen certain rights, like purchasing and selling property, entering into legally binding contracts, and suing in court, but they were still barred from voting or holding office.

The 1866 Constitution and Elections

On June 25, 1866, voters approved the Constitution of 1866. In the governorship election, Throckmorton triumphed over Union candidate Elisha Pease, receiving 49,314 votes compared to Pease’s 12,694. Former Confederates effectively regained influence in Texas politics, with individuals like Oran Roberts, a former leader of the Secession Convention, being elected as one of the US Senators from Texas.

Black Codes and Resistance

In 1866, Texas began to enact "Black Codes," which sought to control the newly freed African American population. These laws imposed contract labor regulations, requiring binding agreements for any work exceeding 30 days and enabling authorities to arrest individuals suspected of being truant. Interracial marriage, holding office, serving on juries, voting, and seeking claims against white defendants were all explicitly prohibited. The state witnessed a rise in violence against African Americans, largely unmitigated by an absent federal military presence, as troops were instead stationed on the western frontier.

Freedmen’s Bureau Efforts

The Freedmen's Bureau, established in September 1865, faced considerable resistance in Texas, perceived as a symbol of federal imposition by many locals. Led by General E.M. Gregory, the Bureau focused primarily on education and aid for former slaves, operating 16 schools by 1865 and providing essential assistance and healthcare to those in need.

Radical Republicans and Congressional Reconstruction

Amidst these local struggles, Radical Republicans gained influence in Congress, opposing Presidential Reconstruction as they sought to impose strict requirements on the former Confederate states. They opposed any leadership role for ex-Confederates in government and called for full equality for freed individuals. The historic transition began, stripping ex-Confederate leaders of power and establishing Congressional Reconstruction, which included military oversight of the Southern states.

Military Occupation and Constitutional Changes

General Philip Sheridan, in charge of the military district encompassing Texas, removed Throckmorton from his position to facilitate Reconstruction progress, replacing him with Elisha Peace. Elections were announced to determine delegates for a new constitutional convention, inviting participation from newly registered black voters, significantly changing the political landscape. A new constitutional convention commenced on June 1, 1868, amid significant disagreements on the direction Texas should take regarding civil rights and secession.

The Constitution of 1869

The Constitution of 1869 was ultimately adopted, granting black Texans suffrage and civil rights, a move that reflected the influences of Radical Republican ideology. The election of 1869 was marked by racial dynamics, with a notable number of black voters actively participating, propelling Edmund Davis to the governorship. This restored Texas to the Union, following further military oversight and the Republican victories, until the end of Congressional Reconstruction on April 16, 1870.

Return of the Democrats and Political Backlash

Davis’s administration was characterized by heightened government expenses and accusations of corruption and mismanagement. With a growing discontent among the populace, especially over tax implications, Democrats won significant seats in the legislature by advocating for a return to “Redemption,” and successfully overthrew the Republican-led public school system, enacted policies that limited land ownership for marginalized groups, and implemented changes that set back African American civil rights.

The Constitution of 1876 and Beyond

The Democrat-led convention in 1875 aimed to replace the Constitution of 1869, culminating in significant statute changes designed to restrict governmental powers while increasingly supporting segregation in education and diminishing political representation for African Americans. The new constitutional framework ultimately laid the foundation for ongoing discrimination and the curtailment of rights well into the future. As developments progressed, both Republican and Democratic factions struggled over power, highlighting the complex and often violent push-and-pull characteristic of Reconstruction in Texas, with enduring ramifications that can still be felt today.

Overall, Texas under Reconstruction became a battleground for combating competing ideologies around race, governance, and justice, with multi-layered impacts that reverberated throughout the following decades.