Battle of San Jacinto April 21, 1836

Texans Retreat Two days after arriving in Gonzales, Houston learned that the Alamo had fallen. Houston picked up fewer than 400 untrained volunteers and ordered a retreat eastward toward the Colorado River in hopes of recruiting more men. Houston sends orders to Coronal Fannin to retreat from Goliad, destroy the fort, and join him at the Colorado River.

Retreat of Houston’s Army Houston’s army began its withdrawal from Gonzales on Sunday, March 13, 1836. Juan Seguin destroyed all those possessions that could not be carried and helped civilians in the area escape.

Retreat of Houston’s Army On March 17, 1836, Houston’s army crossed the Colorado River at Burnham’s Crossing and waited there for Fannin’s arrival. One week later, Houston learned of the Goliad Massacre. Sam Houston continues his retreat towards San Felipe de Austin on March 26.

Houston’s Retreat Houston arrives at San Felipe on March 29. The next day he has San Felipe burned and once again ordered a retreat, this time to the Brazos River. Houston felt his troops were too weak to oppose the Mexican army, and he knew that if Mexican army was drawn farther east, their supply lines would become longer and that in East Texas the Texans could hope for help from the United States. Santa Anna arrives at Gonzales on April 2.

The Runaway Scrape News of the Alamo and Goliad Massacre terrified people. Many Texans gathered their possessions and joined Houston and fled towards east Texas. Santa Anna arrives at San Felipe on April 7. He is unaware Sam Houston is only 15 miles northeast from him at Groce’s Plantation. Sam Houston and his men remain undetected for two weeks.

Houston Trains His Army At Groce’s plantation, Houston trained his army in the fundamentals of warfare. Many were farmers and had no training as soldiers.

Houston Moves His Troops The Texans received a gift from the city of Cincinnati, Ohio - two six-pound cannons – nicknamed “The Twin Sisters” Houston moved his troops toward the San Jacinto River on April 12.

Routes of the Two Armies

Prelude to Battle Santa Anna had spread his army thin. His forces were now divided into three main groups. One Battalion attempted to capture the fleeing Texas Government in Galveston. One Battalion stayed behind moving slowly due to supplies and equipment. Santa Anna lead 900 men in pursuit of Sam Houston.

Eve of Battle Sam Houston learns that Santa Anna’s army is no longer several thousand strong. He leads his soldiers to an area that will prevent any retreat form either army. Santa Anna followed the Texans and believes they are trapped and thus decides to wait several days before attacking and gives his soldiers a chance to rest.

The Battle of San Jacinto April 21, 1836 General Cos arrives with 500 soldiers at Santa Anna’s camp. (not good news for the Texans) Santa Anna believes the Texans would not dare attack his superior army that he does not post guards around the camp and allowed the army to take a siesta, including himself.

The Day of the Battle Houston orders the burning of Vince’s Bridge a path of possible retreat for both the Texas and Mexican armies. Houston knew this was the best opportunity for victory. The Texan army is 900 men strong.

The Battle After a council of war at noon, at 3:30 P.M., Houston ordered his officers to assemble the troops for an immediate attack.

The Battle The Texans moved out of the woods across the open prairie. “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad” was the cry, as the Texans opened fire with rifles and cannons. The Mexican officers tried to rally their troops, but the effort was futile, as total confusion occurred. Many of the soldiers, including Santa Anna, attempted to flee from the battle.

The Battle The Texans were upon the enemy camp before the Mexicans knew an attack was underway. The “Twin Sisters” blew a hole in the Mexican fortifications, and the Texans stormed through the enemy’s lines, seized the Mexican artillery, and engaged in hand- to-hand combat. The Mexican cavalry and many fleeing soldiers were cut down by Lamar’s cavalry and the Texas army.

The Battle The battle lasted only 18 minutes, but the killing continued until dark. Many men were furious about what had happened at the Alamo and Goliad and thus wanted revenge. Sam Houston and his officers had a hard time stopping the soldiers from slaughtering the Mexican soldiers.

Losses at San Jacinto TEXANS - 9 killed MEXICANS – 630 killed 30 injured (Sam Houston was shot on ankle.) MEXICANS – 630 killed 208 wounded 730 captured

Santa Anna’s Capture Santa Anna was captured while attempting to flee. He was trying to pretend he was just a regular soldier. Texans were unaware of who he was until a soldier addressed his as presidente.

Velasco - Capital of Texas Intern President Burnet moved the government from Galveston to Velasco at the mouth of the Brazos River. Santa Anna was taken to Velasco to sign two treaties with the Texas government.

The Public Treaty of Velasco Santa Anna agreed to: 1. Never fight against the Texans again. 2. Order all Mexican troops out of Texas immediately. 3. To exchange the Texas and Mexican troops captured in the fighting.

The Secret Treaty of Velasco Santa Anna promised to work for Mexican recognition of Texas independence. The Texas government pledged to release Santa Anna and give him an escort back to Mexico. Santa Anna agreed to work in Mexico to set the Texas boundary at the Rio Grande River.

Results The Republic of Texas Although Mexican troops in Texas numbered in the thousands, far more than the Texans. They retreated back to Mexico. Santa Anna would be kept prisoner for six months before being released. Mexico would fail to recognize the Rio Grande River as the new border and would result in tensions for several years to come. Nonetheless, Texas was now a sovereign nation. The Republic of Texas

Remembrance The San Jacinto Monument was built to remember the events of the Battle of San Jacinto. Facts: built -1939 height – 570 ft tall (Washington Monument is 555 ft) location – site of San Jacinto Battle *The monument is topped with a 220 ton LONE STAR.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arDP-SE5WIc 1:49:20