Sam Houston initially opposed the secession of Texas from the Union. In 1860, he was serving as the governor of Texas when the state held a convention to consider secession. Houston urged Texans to reject secession and maintain their loyalty to the United States. He argued that secession would lead to violence and instability, and that Texas would be better off by staying united with the Union. However, his efforts were in vain, and Texas voted to secede in February 1861. As a result, Houston was removed from office and replaced by a more pro-secessionist governor.
