ARCHIVE WAR Meaning and
Definition
-
The Archive War refers to a historical event that occurred in the mid-19th century during the early years of the Republic of Texas. It was a political conflict that emerged between the central government and the city of Austin regarding the location of the official government archives. The term "archive" here refers to a collection of important records and documents that hold significant historical, legal, or administrative value.
In 1839, when the capital of the Republic of Texas was moved to the newly established city of Austin, the government archives were also relocated there. However, during the Archive War in 1842, President Sam Houston, fearing an invasion by Mexican troops, ordered the archives to be moved from Austin to Houston for safekeeping. Austin officials, led by Angelina Eberly, fiercely opposed this removal and staged a daring transfer of the archives back to Austin, even going so far as to fire a cannon to draw attention to their cause.
The Archive War lasted for several months, during which the archives were moved back and forth between the two cities multiple times. Eventually, in 1845, the conflict was resolved when the Texas Congress passed a law designating Austin as the permanent site for the government archives.
The Archive War is significant because it symbolizes the struggle for political power between the central government and local authorities. It highlights the importance of preserving historical records, and the efforts made by individuals to safeguard their city's status and importance in the eyes of the government. This event played a crucial role in shaping the history and identity of Austin as the capital city of Texas.
Etymology of ARCHIVE WAR
The etymology of the term "Archive War" can be broken down as follows:
1. Archive: The word "archive" comes from the Greek word "arkheion", which referred to the house or office of the "archon" (the chief magistrate) in ancient Greece. It was in this place that official government documents were kept and preserved.
2. War: The term "war" originates from the Old English word "werre", which means "to bring into confusion" or "to cause strife". Over time, the definition of "war" evolved to describe a conflict or confrontation between organized groups or nations.
Putting these two words together, "Archive War" describes a conflict or confrontation specifically related to the preservation or control of archives or historical records.
