On December 19, 1832, the residents of San Antonio became the first to hint at independence, presenting a list of grievances to the legislature of their Mexican state, Coahuila y Tejas. The document they presented, the Bexar Remonstrance, was signed by Jose Angel Navarro who was alcalde (similar to the office of mayor) of San Antonio. Residents objected to an 1830 law banning immigration from the United States. They also sought separation of Texas from Coahuila.

Three interesting points you can take away from this tidbit of history.
• The Texas Revolution did not happen overnight. Discontent grew for at least 6 years (1830-1836), and many peaceful attempts were made to resolve the issues that seemed unfair.
• Though American immigration was part of the problem, the revolution was NOT about “Americans” taking Texas away from “Mexicans.” Every Texas colonist was a Mexican citizen. Some, like Alcalde Jose Navarro, originated from Spain, some were native tribal people, and some were from the United States and other countries. The majority were united in their discontent with the treatment they received from Mexico’s dictator, Santa Anna.
• The original state of which Texas was a part was “Coahuila y Tejas“–two territories that straddled the Rio Grande. The flag of this state featured two stars, one representing each territory. When Texas separated, they became the “Lone Star” republic.