The Archives War

The Archives War was a political conflict in Texas in 1842, centered around control of the state's land records and government documents. Texas leader Sam Houston wanted to keep the archives in Austin, while opponents, including Mayor Edwin Waller and some officials, wanted to move them to Houston. Tensions escalated when troops were dispatched, leading to a standoff. Ultimately, the archives remained in Austin, reinforcing its status as the state capital. The conflict highlighted disagreements over political power and regional interests during a turbulent period in Texas history.