Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar (1798-1859), a Georgia native, first visited Texas in 1835 when he supported a declaration for Texas independence from Mexico and helped build a fort at Velasco. He returned during the Texas Revolution, enlisted as a private in the Texas Army, and, because of his gallantry during a skirmish on April 20, 1836, was commissioned a colonel and commanded the cavalry at the Battle of San Jacinto the next day. Ten days later he was appointed Secretary of War, and later that year he was elected vice president of the Republic of Texas. In 1838 he was elected president of the Republic, and his administration was marked by opposition to annexation by the United States government, improvement of international diplomacy, establishment of the second Texas Navy, and definition of national borders. His harsh Indian policies led to the forcible expulsion of the Cherokee and war with the Comanche. During his presidency, the national flag that became the state flag was adopted, the capital was moved from Houston to Austin, homestead exemption privileges were granted to property owners, separate property rights were guaranteed for married women, and lands were reserved to endow a public education system. After his presidential term, he spent time in Richmond, traveled, pursued literary interests, and was granted a courtesy seat in the U.S. Senate. In 1846-1847, during the Mexican War, Lamar joined the U.S. Army as lieutenant colonel under General Zachary Taylor, fought at the Battle of Monterrey, served as captain of Texas Mounted Volunteers on the Rio Grande, and represented Nueces and San Patricio Counties in the Second Texas Legislature. In 1858-1859 he served as a United States ambassador to Nicaragua and Costa Rica, returned home, and died here on December 19, 1859.