 After becoming an independent republic in 1836, these forces were aligned with the Army of the Republic of Texas.In 1845, with the annexation of Texas by the United States, this structure was supplanted by the United States Army, but local militia companies were maintained for a ready response.After secession from the United States in 1861, existing militia companies rallied and new militia regiments were formed which were made available to the various armies of the Confederacy.