Who was the president of the Republic of Texas at the time of independence?

The president of the Republic of Texas at the time of independence was Sam Houston. He played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, leading Texian forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, which effectively secured Texas' independence from Mexico. Shortly after this victory, he was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas, serving from 1836 to 1838 and later again from 1841 to 1844. His leadership was instrumental in establishing a stable government and advocating for the annexation of Texas to the United States, shaping the future of Texas.

In contrast, Stephen F. Austin, while known as the "Father of Texas" for his early role in colonizing the region, was never a president of the Republic. James Pinckney Henderson was the first governor of Texas, serving after statehood, and William B. Travis is remembered as a hero of the Alamo, primarily known for his role in that pivotal battle rather than in governmental leadership.