Who was the first governor of the state of Texas?

The first governor of the state of Texas was James Pinckney Henderson, who served from 1846 to 1847, following Texas' admission to the United States. Henderson's tenure marked the transition of Texas from a Republic to a state within the Union, navigating the challenges of establishing a state government and addressing issues such as land disputes, Native American relations, and the integration of former Republic institutions into a state framework.

Before Henderson, the Republic of Texas had Presidents, and while Sam Houston and Mirabeau B. Lamar were significant figures in that era, they served as presidents of the Republic rather than as governors of the state after Texas joined the United States. Edward Burleson was also a notable leader during the Republic but not in the role of the state's first governor.

Understanding this distinction between the Republic and statehood helps clarify the significance of Henderson's role as Texas' first governor. His leadership was essential in shaping the early political landscape of Texas as part of the United States.