Memucan Hunt, Texas diplomat and politician, dies

169 years ago on June 5th, 1856

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On this day in 1856, Memucan Hunt died at his brother's home in Tennessee. He had come to Texas just after the battle of San Jacinto. President Houston appointed him agent to the United States to assist William H. Wharton in securing recognition of the Republic of Texas. That task successfully accomplished in March 1837, Hunt became Texan minister at Washington. Although his proposal of annexation was rejected by the United States (1837), he succeeded in negotiating a boundary agreement in 1838. Hunt served under President Burnet as secretary of the Texas Navy. In 1841 he ran unsuccessfully for vice-president. Hunt served briefly in the Mexican War and after annexation served one term in the Texas legislature. Hunt County is named in his honor.

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Texas on this Day: 500 Years of History

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From Cabeza de Vaca's ship-wreck in 1528 through the Texas Revolution to present day—almost 500 years of recorded history—a myriad of significant events in Texas history have occurred. These events are arranged by day of the year to allow the reader to see into the past on any specific day.

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Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Long may these ideals live in the heart of every Texan and every American. May God bless all who have defended our freedoms that we enjoy each day. And God bless the United States of America.

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