The United States recognized the Republic of Texas, created by a new constitution on March 2, 1836, as a new independent nation and commissioned its first representative, Alcee La Branche as the chargé d'affaires in 1837.

The U.S. never sent a full minister (the term "ambassador" was not in use) to Texas, but a series of chargés represented the government in Austin until Texas joined the Union in 1845.