09/17/2026
On this day in 1829, Mexican President Vicente Guerrero issued the Guerrero Decree, abolishing slavery throughout most of the Republic of Mexico. When the decree reached Texas in October, political chief Ramón Músquiz withheld its publication, arguing that it conflicted with colonization laws protecting settlers and their property. News of the decree alarmed many Texas colonists, who petitioned the Mexican government to exempt Texas. In December, Mexican officials announced that the status of slavery in Texas would remain unchanged. Although the decree was never enforced there, the controversy increased tensions and convinced many Anglo-Texas colonists that their interests might not be secure under Mexican rule.
