San Jacinto Victory April 1836

Before the Battle Santa Anna believed he was pushing the Texans out of his country Texans retreated north of San Felipe to find a safe place for training He received two (2) cannons from the citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio, which they named the “Twin Sisters” Santa Anna arrived in San Felipe on April 7 and assumed Houston was out of the fight

“Twin Sisters”

Before the Battle Santa Anna moved south to wait on General Urrea’s troops from Goliad Santa Anna thought the revolution had ended Next move was one of Santa Anna’s biggest mistakes of the entire war He learned President Burnet and government team were in Harrisburg He took 1,000 of his best troops to Harrisburg to capture the Texas government – Mistake #1

Before the Battle His forces arrived hours after the new Texas government escaped to Galveston Bay Santa Anna burned the town down and headed south in pursuit “Deaf” Smith captured a Mexican courier and learned of Santa Anna’s plans and location With this news, Houston knew it was time to make a stand Texas army took a position on San Jacinto River

April 20, 1836 On April 20, Santa Anna’s cavalry had come within minutes of capturing Burnet and team They rowed to the safety of a ship and escaped to Galveston Island Santa Anna received news that Houston’s army had moved to the San Jacinto River Santa Anna could see Houston’s army on the ridge and tried to draw them out A skirmish occurred between two cavalry groups

April 20, 1836 In the evening, Santa Anna moved his troops behind a ridge and into the woods for shade Mistake #2 - ridge line kept Santa Anna from seeing Houston’s camp and preparations Camps were about 1 mile apart Mexican troops worked through the night to build a barrier for protection They awaited a possible attack by Houston at dawn on April 21

Preparing for Battle General Cos’ troops arrived the morning of the battle bringing Mexican force total to 1,300 Texan army had 900 men Houston sent “Deaf” Smith to destroy Vince’s Bridge Sent clear message – no more Mexican troops could arrive to help – no army could retreat No pulling back – conquer or be conquered!

Preparing for Battle Houston called for a war council at noon He considered the mood of his soldiers Putting off the attack another day might cause a revolt among his troops He formed the battle plan and Thomas Rusk, Secretary of War, approved it The attack would take place at 3:30 p.m. Santa Anna let his soldiers take a siesta when there was no activity by midday – Mistake #3

Juan Seguin Just before the attack, Houston assigned Juan Seguin and his company to stay and guard the camp. Houston feared they may be mistaken for Mexican soldiers during the battle and shot. Seguin protested stating that the Tejanos had more to lose than any other group. They had the greatest stake in the outcome – no home to go back to if Santa Anna was not defeated. Houston responded “Spoken like a MAN”. So the Tejano soldiers put playing cards and cardboard in band around their hats to be identified as Texans.

Juan Seguin

The Attack Houston took his place at the center of the battle line on his white stallion, Saracen Two days earlier, Houston told his men “Remember the Alamo and Goliad” No speech given before the attack Houston told his men to hold their fire until they could make it count From his horse, Houston drew his sword and yelled “Forward–Texas”

Sam Houston and Saracen

Battle of San Jacinto Houston’s men moved toward the Mexican camp quietly The Texas army band played “Come to the Bower” Texan army was within rifle range before the bugler warned the Mexicans Mexican camp was in chaos – they were used to fighting in groups, not individually Houston struck in the ankle with a musket ball

Battle of San Jacinto The battle lasted 18 minutes and the Mexicans surrendered – many tried to run away Santa Anna and General Cos both fled and did not see the Mexican army surrender 630 Mexicans died in battle 730 Mexican prisoners 9 Texans died and 30 were wounded Santa Anna was captured the next day dressed like a regular soldier

Battle of San Jacinto

Significance of Battle Many Texans wanted to execute Santa Anna Houston spared the lives of the prisoners Santa Anna was worth more alive than dead Houston forced Santa Anna to order the remaining Mexican troops out of Texas San Jacinto was the key battle of the Texas Revolution Santa Anna became a prisoner of war and Houston became a great Texas hero

San Jacinto

San Jacinto April 21, :30 p.m.

San Jacinto April 21, :30 p.m. 18 minutes

San Jacinto April 21, :30 p.m. 18 minutes “Remember the Alamo and Goliad”

San Jacinto April 21, :30 p.m. 9 Texans 630 Mexicans Died 18 minutes “Remember the Alamo and Goliad”

San Jacinto April 21, :30 p.m. 9 Texans 630 Mexicans Died 18 minutes Santa Anna is POW Houston is hero “Remember the Alamo and Goliad”

Battle of San Jacinto

San Jacinto Monument