USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In an effort to avoid some states seceding from the United States, Congress passed the Compromise of 1850. Texas gave up much of the western territories it had claimed in exchange for $10 million to pay off previous debts.

Detailed explanation-2: -Eventually, by 1900, Texas had disposed of about 216, 000, 000 acres of public land, placing it into private ownership. Most western states were originally federally administered territories before achieving statehood; as such their public lands were largely organized and maintained by federal agencies.

Detailed explanation-3: -To do this, Texas became the only state in the Union to retain control of her own public lands. Texas relinquished 67 million acres in the Compromise of 1850 in exchange for a cash payment that wiped out the debt. Future land sales were earmarked to fund Texas education. But sales proved to be disappointing.

Detailed explanation-4: -Originally Answered: Why does Texas have virtually no Federal public land? Basically, because of the period of time that Texas was independent. The state was bankrupt, had no cash, and paid off people in land, both to pay off debts, to reward military service, and to get people to settle in Texas.