Independence isn’t something we can take for granted. It fosters self-reliance. Sometimes, though, independence is earned through struggle. Such is the case of Texas, which gained independence from Mexico through the San Jacinto Battle.
For Texans, it is an honor to be a Texan! There is a tradition to fly the Texas state flag on April 21st to commemorate the battle of San Jacinto. Each year on this date, the historic battlegrounds where the fighting took place are also reenacted with lights, pyrotechnics, costumes, and canons.
Texas’ independence is not to be taken lightly. It took Mexico a long time to recognize Texas as a free state. Even though the battle was bloody, you can use a more gentle approach when explaining it to kids.
Here is a fantastic guide to interesting facts about San Jacinto Day to help you understand the holiday.
7 Interesting Facts about San Jacinto Day
Discover some interesting facts about the infamous battle that changed Texas forever.
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Texan forces were led by Sam Houston
Sam Houston was elected Governor of Texas on March 2, 1836, and led the Texan forces at the Battle of San Jacinto. There is a story that the cruelty of Santa Anna, coupled with the heroic mantra of the Texan forces at the Battle of the Alamo, inspired many to join his army.
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The battle of San Jacinto was part of the Texas Revolution
In 1821, Texas became part of Mexico following the Mexican War of Independence against Spain. Soon the U.S. immigrants outnumbered the Mexican residents due to the influx of immigrants.
President Santa Anna shifted the Mexican government from federalism to centralism in the 1830s. The federalists in Texas were angered by this, causing unrest. Later on, Texans attacked the Mexican troops in October 1835, resulting in the Texas Revolution.
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More than 400 Mexican soldiers outnumbered the Texan Force
As of this time, the Mexican force outnumbered the Texan unit, whose strength was equal to 900 men. As soon as the Mexican reinforcements arrived, Sam Houston ordered his men to destroy Vince’s Bridge, which would prevent Santa Anna from joining any more reinforcements.
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The Battle of Alamo and the Goliad Massacre preceded it
Texans had previously captured the Alamo on March 6, 1836. Santa Anna had then vowed revenge and ordered his troops not to take any prisoners. The Battle of the Alamo resulted in the deaths of 182 to 257 Texans.
On March 27, 350 Texan captives who had surrendered at Coleto were killed by the Mexican Army under orders from Santa Anna in the Goliad massacre.
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The battle lasted for only 18 minutes
A surprise attack by Texas soldiers took place on April 21 at 4:30 p.m. while Santa Anna’s men were taking a nap, they chanted: “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!”
A fight lasted just 18 minutes after the Mexican soldiers abandoned their camp and fled for their lives. As a result of his capture, General Santa Anna had to admit defeat not just in the battle, but in the war as a whole.
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Named after the San Jacinto River
Sam Houston’s unit raced towards Santa Anna’s force, and by April 20, the camps were roughly 500 yards apart. The site was along the San Jacinto River, near Houston, Texas. As a result of the terrain’s oak groves and marshes, it was better suited to the Texans than to the alien Mexicans.
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San Jacinto Day is a Public Holiday in Texas
Texans celebrate gaining their independence and remember this day every year on April 21st. As locals remember the Alamo and the victories from that day, they always raise their Texas flags.
Conclusion
As a result of its armed conflict with Mexico, Texas declared independence in March 1836. Whereas, Santa Anna signed a treaty recognizing Texas independence. Sam Houston was elected President after becoming famous for his victory. Houston is named after him.