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It's San Jacinto Day!

17 years ago

Today is the 173rd anniversary of the day (April 21, 1836) that the Texians (as they were called then) captured Santa Ana and defeated Mexico at San Jacinto, thus securing independence for Texas and beginning its almost 10 year existence as The Republic of Texas, an independent country. And so... some Texas history and trivia, for those who are interested.

This is the famous 18 minute battle in which the angry Texians yelled "Remember the Alamo!" and "Remember Goliad!" Victory was secured in 18 minutes due to Sam Houston literally catching the Mexican army with their pants down (during siesta and whatever other goings on were going on DURING siesta). The Mexicans were in this compromised situation because Santa Ana was completely confident that Houston was too scared to attack.

Santa Ana had commited some atrocities at the Alamo including the desecration of bodies; and at Goliad, where he summarily executed all of the Texas soldiers even after they had surrendered. This was what had the Texians in such an uproar at San Jacinto, and though victory was their's in such a quickly fought battle, they continued to rampage and kill in an unnecessary bloodbath, seeking revenge for Santa Ana's previous actions.

The Battle of San Jacinto could have easily been just another battle in the war and Texas might have easily ended up losing because they were far outnumbered by the Mexicans. Luckily, however, they captured Santa Ana even though they didn't realize it at first because he was dressed in a lower rank uniform. Unfortunately for him, several of his men saluted him, giving away his rank, and Sam Houston extracted a surrender, and subsequently Santa Ana signed a peace treaty, ensuring Texas independence.

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Comments (6)

dedtired
17 years ago
That's quite interesting. As many times as I've heard Remember the Alamo, I never knew the story or at least hadn't retained it.

Well, good for Sam Houston! Just think, if it hadn't been for him the Texians might be sneaking across the border to find work in the USA. Glad it worked out for them.
triciae
17 years ago
Thanks, I love these kinds of posts. I had no idea today was the big day...only knew 1836. I'll call our DDs tonight who are both living in Texas.

Uh, about that siesta...don't forget about The Yellow Rose of Texas!

True, or not, it's a great story!

/tricia

Here is a link that might be useful: Yellow Rose of Texas
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partst
17 years ago
Great post I love that history is not forgotten and celebrated I just wish they taught more of it in todayÂs schools. MY DH is in Texas this week he flew into San Antonio had a few hours to see River Walk and the Alamo and now is in Uvalde on some kind of customer drive and learn thing with Continental Tire Co. He usually doesnÂt go just sends one of his guys but I thought it would be a good thing for him to get away from the office and have some fun. He called and said Texas is great he went to Coyote Ugly at River Walk so maybe his stress level is way down I hope so.

Claudia
lowspark
Original Author
17 years ago
Tricia,
Actually that's what I was alluding to when I said, whatever other goings on were going on DURING siesta. I don't know if there actually was a Yellow Rose of Texas, it's cool to think there might have been! But in any case, there apparently were some activities going on in the Mexican camp which helped the Texas army catch the Mexicans not only by surprise, but in positions compromising enough to require some recovery before they could swing into action.

I took a Geography of Texas class in college where I learned a lot of history as well as geography. I've gleaned some additional education from different sources through the years as well. The most interesting facts are the ones that got left out when elementary school!
lowspark
Original Author
17 years ago
that last sentence should read:

The most interesting facts are the ones that got left out when I was taught the history of Texas in elementary school!
lakeguy35
17 years ago
Having offices in Texas I knew about this. I've passed the Sam Houston Statue countless times in Huntsville on my way to Houston. Always a reminder that I was about 30 minutes from Conroe/The Woodlands and all that darn traffic depending on the time of day or a wreck... oh yeah the road construction too..LOL!!

David

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