1830   1831   1832 Sam Houston first arrives in Texas.   1833   1834   1835 Huntsville founded by Pleasant and Ephraim Gray (1835-36).   1836 March 2 The Texas Declaration of Independence is signed and the Republic of Texas begins. March 6 Battle of the Alamo. April 21 Sam Houston defeats Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. October 22 Sam Houston begins serving his first term as President of the Republic of Texas (term lasted until December 10, 1838).   1837 June 9 Huntsville organizes first post office.   1838   1839