The Texas Revolution

The Road to Revolution In 1832, Santa Anna becomes president. He refuses to uphold the Constitution of 1824, and by 1835, he has become a dictator. His brother-in-law, General Martin Perfecto de Cos, is sent to San Antonio with troops to control tension amongst the settlers. The settlers are unhappy about the troops and create committees of correspondence to unify the Texans.

The Battle of Gonzales October 2, 1835 Gonzales had a small brass cannon given to them by Spanish authorities to protect against Native American attacks. Mexican troops are sent to retrieve the cannon, but the settlers, led by John Henry Moore, refused, challenging the Mexican troops to “Come and Take It.” Lieutenant Castaneda is sent to Gonzales to seize the cannon, but the Texans fire it, killing one Mexican soldier. Unable to find common ground during a parley, Castaneda withdraws his troops to prevent at full-scale war.

The Battle of Gonzales There is no going back now—It’s War! The Battle of Gonzales was the first conflict between the Mexicans and Texans in the Texas Revolution. It was brief and considered a victory for the Texans. It increased their confidence and resolution. The Battle of Gonzales is known as the “Lexington of Texas” The first battle of the American Revolution happened in Lexington, Massachusetts when British soldiers attempted to take arms and ammunition away from the colonists.

The Battle of Goliad October 10, 1835 About 120 Texans attacked the Mexican garrison at Goliad hoping to capture General Cos, and after a brief (30 minute) battle, the Mexican troops surrendered. However, General Cos was no where around. Considered a victory! Led by Captain George Collinsworth and Ben Milam Goliad was in a strategic location for the Mexican troops because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. It was a supply route, and once the Texans conquered it, they obtained a large amount of arms and ammunition.

Captain George M. Collinsworth The Battle of Goliad Captain George M. Collinsworth Ben Milam

The Battle of Goliad

The March on San Antonio After victories at Gonzales and Goliad, the confident Texans decide to march on to San Antonio to attack Cos’ army. They elect Stephen F. Austin as Commanding General of the 400 men and call themselves the Army of the People. They march to San Antonio and camp just outside at Salado Creek.

The March on San Antonio Camped Here

Siege at San Antonio October-December 1835 Cos’ treatment of the residents of San Antonio prompts Tejanos (Texans of Mexican descent) and others including Juan Seguin, to aid the ill-trained and ill-equipped Texan rebels. SFA, seeking a good defensive position for their attack, sends about 90 men, including Jim Bowie, James Fannin, and Andrew Briscoe to find a new base camp. October 28—Battle of Mission Concepcion—the 90 Texans are attacked by Mexican troops. The Texans are armed with Kentucky Long Rifles and win! This boosted their confidence even more.

Siege at San Antonio Jim Bowie Andrew Briscoe James Fannin

Siege at San Antonio October-December 1835 Now Camped Here

Siege at San Antonio “The Grass Fight” The Texans lay siege to San Antonio in hopes of cutting off supplies for the Mexican army. On November 18—SFA learns of his appointment as Commissioner to the United States and leaves. Colonel Edward Burleson takes replaces SFA. November 26—Erastus “Deaf” Smith reports 100 Mexican solderies with pack animals heading into San Antonio. Rumor spreads that the animals are carrying silver Jim Bowie leads 40 cavalry along with 100 infantry and ambushes the Mexicans. Rather than silver, the Mexicans were carrying grass for their starving horses. This battle becomes known as the Grass Fight. At this point, the Texans realize the siege is effective.

Siege at San Antonio “The Grass Fight” “Deaf” Smith Edward Burleson

The Capture of San Antonio December 4-10, 1835 December 4—The Texans are growing restless, and Texans leaders argued over whether or not to attack San Antonio. With winter approaching, Burleson orders a withdrawal from San Antonio to Goliad. Later that same day, a Mexican officer is captured and reports Cos’ army is weak and disorganized. Ben Milam seizes the opportunity and challenges Texans with “Who will go with Old Ben Milam into San Antonio?!” December 5—Burleson allows Ben Milam and Francis W. Johnson to lead 300 volunteers against San Antonio—The Battle of San Antonio has started!

The Capture of San Antonio December 4-10, 1835 Texans attack in two columns down these streets

The Capture of San Antonio December 4-10, 1835 Fighting is fierce and spreads from house-to-house. Ben Milam is killed on the 3rd day December 9—Texans push the Mexican troops out of San Antonio into the Alamo December 10, 1835—Cos surrenders and leaves Texas in defeat