Fredonian Rebellion

The Fredonian Rebellion (December 21, 1826 – January 23, 1827) is the first attempt by white Anglo settlers in Texas to secede from Mexico.

The settlers, led by Empresario Haden Edwards, declares independence from Mexican Texas and creates the Republic of Fredonia near Nacogdoches.

The short-lived republic encompasses the land the Mexican government had granted to Edwards in 1825 and includes areas that had been previously settled.

Edwards's actions soon alienate the established residents, and the increasing hostilities between them and settlers recruited by Edwards leads Victor Blanco of the Mexican government to revoke Edwards's contract.

In late December 1826, a group of Edwards's supporters take control of the region by arresting and removing from office several municipality officials affiliated with the established residents.

Supporters declare their independence from Mexico.

Although the nearby Cherokee tribe initially signs a treaty to support the new republic because a prior agreement with the Mexican government negotiated by Chief Richard Fields had been ignored, overtures from Mexican authorities and respected Empresario Stephen F. Austin convinces tribal leaders to repudiate the rebellion.

On January 31, 1827, a force of over one hundred Mexican soldiers and two hundred and seventy-five militiamen from Austin's colony march nto Nacogdoches to restore order.

Haden Edwards and his brother Benjamin flee to the United States.

Chief Richard Fields is killed by his own tribe.

A local merchant is arrested and sentenced to death but later paroled.

The rebellion leads Mexican President Guadalupe Victoria to increase the military presence in the area.

As a result, several hostile tribes in the area halt their raids on settlements and agree  to a peace treaty.

The Comanche abide by this treaty for many years.

Fearing that through the rebellion, the United States hopes to gain control of Texas, the Mexican government severely curtails immigration to the region from the U.S..

The new immigration law is bitterly opposed by colonists and causes increasing dissatisfaction with Mexican rule.

Some historians consider the Fredonian Rebellion to be the beginning of the Texas Revolution.

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