The Texas Republic and the Mormon Kingdom of God
By: Michael Scott Van Wagenen.
Edition: 1st ed.
Series: South Texas regional studies ;; no. 2
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
Published: 2002
Place of publication: College Station
Language: eng
Number of pages: 117
Subjects: Smith, Joseph, 1805-1844.; Houston, Sam, 1793-1863 -- Relations with Mormons.; Mormon pioneers -- Texas -- History -- 19th century.; Frontier and pioneer life -- Texas.; Mormons -- Texas -- History -- 19th century.; Texas -- History -- Republic, 1836-1846.; Texas -- History -- 1846-1950.
Description: "Texas sparked the imagination and ambition of some of North America's greatest leaders. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was one such man. His interest in Texas coincided with the strategic goal of Sam Houston, the president of the young Texas Republic, to create a buffer zone between the areas of Anglo settlement and Mexico.

History has until now hidden how close the ambitions of these two men came to carving out a Mormon Kingdom of God in the Republic of Texas.".

"In 1844 Smith and his followers were received with political jealousy, religious suspicions, and distaste by their neighbors in Nauvoo, Illinois. Smith looked outside the United States for both refuge and empire. Times were difficult for Texas president Sam Houston as well. Texas faced the wrath of the Comanches on the western frontier and of Santa Anna on the disputed southern border. To make matters worse, the U.S. Congress was balking on the annexation issue.

Houston was desperate, in debt, and looking for assistance from England, France, or perhaps even the Mormons. Smith appointed an ambassador to the Texas Republic, and secret negotiations began in earnest."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 105-110) and index.
Table of contents: title: The emergence of nations in the Southwest; title: Joseph Smith and the Mormons, 1830-44; title: Mormon interest in the Texas Republic, 1842-44; title: The Texas-Mormon negotiations of 1844; title: Mormon colonies in Texas 1845-58; title: The aftermath.