The Battles of the Texas Revolution December 1835-April 1836 Refugio, Coleto, Goliad, Runaway Scrape, San Jacinto

General Urrea Marches North As Santa Anna was attacking the Alamo, General Urrea marched the Mexican army north. The Mexican forces engaged in several battles along the way, which the Mexicans army won.

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna

Refugio Colonel James Fannin was in command of 300 revolutionaries at Goliad. At William B. Travis’s request, he set out to reinforce the fighters at the Alamo. ….But his wagon broke down. He sent Colonel William Ward to Refugio to escort some civilians to safety. They were intercepted by Urrea’s forces. Those who weren’t killed were sent to Goliad.

Urrea, Fannin and Travis

Coleto On March 14, Fannin received orders from General Sam Houston to retreat to Victoria. His hope was to delay further battles until his troops could become better organized. Fannin waited until March 19 to leave-he had been hoping to hear from Ward and King. Urrea’s men surrounded Fannin and his men as they traveled. The next day, Fannin was forced to surrender, and his troops were taken captive.

Remember Goliad! Although Fannin and his men surrendered and were promised they would not be executed, Santa Anna decided otherwise. The prisoners were marched back to Goliad, where they were marched out into an open compound in three columns. They thought they were being released, but instead they were shot and killed. A few escaped. The massacre at Goliad transformed the Texas Revolution because the Texan’s became more determined to defeat Mexico.

Goliad

Sam Houston Assumes Command Houston was named commander of the Texas forces during the first Consultation. He reappointed a second time at the second Consultation. He signed a peace treaty with the Cherokee’s so that the Texan’s wouldn’t have to fight the Mexicans and Native Americans at the same time, and Houston promised the Cherokees land titles to their land under Texas’s new government. At this time, he was unaware of what had happened at the Alamo He arrived with several hundred men at Gonzales on March 11. One of the Alamo survivors, Susanna Dickinson, related that all of the men at the Alamo had been killed.

Sam Houston

Revenge!!! Upon hearing that news, Texas troops understandably wanted revenge. Houston had a plan in mind, however. He realized that the troops were not yet ready to fight he Mexican army. He led them to a plantation for training, rest and food, then continued his retreat to the east.

“Let’s Flight…” The families living in Gonzales became afraid when they heard Santa Anna and his troops were headed their way. They gathered their belongings and headed east. This flight is known as the Runaway Scrape.

Santa Anna’s Mistakes After the victory at the Alamo, Santa Anna moved his troops out to search for any remaining Texas forces. He had suffered great losses at the Alamo, and he was running low on supplies. Sam Houston had wisely burned fields and houses as he moved east. Any supplies the Mexican troops might have used were destroyed.

Houston’s Strategy Pays Off By this time, the Mexican army was short on food and ammunition. Santa Anna moved ahead of the main group with a force of about 700 men. On his return, he met Houston’s forces at San Jacinto

Sam Houston’s Speech… “We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope!...Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father’s name.”

The Battle of San Jacinto (Revolution Era) On April 20, 1836, a skirmish developed. The major battle took place on the afternoon of April 21. At first the Texas troops outnumbered the Mexican forces, but during the night, more Mexican troops arrived. The troop count was 1300 Mexicans to 800 Texans. Houston’s superior tactics would play a major role in the battle’s outcome.

The Victory! Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!! The Mexicans were unprepared for the attack. Houston ordered a bridge burned that would keep Santa Anna and his troops from retreating. The battle lasted for about 18 minutes. The Texans won the battle. Two Texans dies, and about 30 were wounded. 630 Mexicans were killed and 730 were captured.

A Coward Is Revealed During the battle, Santa Anna disguised himself in order to escape capture and/or death. He was captured and brought before Sam Houston, who had been wounded in the leg during battle. Santa Anna surrendered.

Surrender at San Jacinto

Put these events in order: Fall of the Alamo Battle of San Jacinto Goliad Massacre Battle of Gonzales