1. Battle of San Jacinto The Decisive Battle for Texas Independence and
Masonic Involvement in the Events of April 21, 1836.
Flag of the Republic of Texas
Compiled by Kevin Wilbourn
Saturday, November 17, 2018

2. Historical Background
Decisive battle of the Texas Revolution near Harrisburg April 21, 1836.
Forces present:
Mexican Army
Texan Army
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
Sam Houston
1400 Men and 1 Cannon
930 Men and 2 Cannons
630 Killed, 700+ Captured
9 Killed, 30 Wounded
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018

3. Skirmishes of April 20, 1836
Sherman’s Texan Cavalry engaged Mexican Infantry on April 20th
Mexican counter-attack was repulsed by Burleson’s infantry regiment
Private Mirabeau Lamar recognized for outstanding bravery and leadership; immediately promoted to Colonel of Texan Cavalry
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018

4. Texans Prepared Houston addressed the troops on April 20th:
“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! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father’s name.”
Soldiers expected to strike early on April 21, but the order did not come quickly.
Burning of Vince’s Bridge prevented reinforcements for either side.
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018

5. History Made in 18 Minutes
Sam Houston
Thomas Rusk
Sidney Sherman
Mirabeau Lamar
Edward Burleson
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018

6. Involvement of Freemasons
Engagement
Date
Texan Force
Masons
Percentage
Anáhuac
June 10, 1832
130 11
8.5
Velasco
June 26, 1832
112 31
27.5
Nacogdoches
August 2, 1832
200 22
11.0
Gonzales
October 2, 1835
160 26
16.2
Goliad
October 9, 1835 47 9
19.0
Concepción
October 28, 1835 90 12
13.6
Lipantitlán
November 5, 1835 60 4
6.6
Grass Fight
November 26, 1835
100
Béxar
December 5-10, 1835
300 64
21.3
Alamo
Feb. 23-March 6, 1836
189 6
3.1
Coleto
March 19, 1836
400 10
2.5
San Jacinto
April 21, 1836
850
151
17.6
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018

7. Aftermath of the Battle
May – Treaties of Velasco
Mexican Troops withdraw
Santa Anna sent to Washington, DC to guarantee Texan independence to Andrew Jackson
Government deposes Santa Anna in absentia
Republic of Texas recognized by United States
Texas Annexed by the United States
Mexican-American War - New Mexico, Arizona, and California change hands
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018

8. Legends and Tales The Yellow Rose of Texas Santa Anna’s Surrender
Legend that Emily Morgan, “The Yellow Rose of Texas”, was a distraction placed by Sam Houston in Santa Anna’s Camp.
Santa Anna’s Surrender
Accounts Vary – May or may not have used Masonic Recognition to spare his life.
Stiles family, Broken Bow, OK has his Masonic Apron
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018

9. Legends and Tales The Yellow Rose of Texas Santa Anna’s Surrender
The basic meaning of the ashlar is fairly well understood by most Masons. The rough ashlar is indicative of raw nature; that unrefined state in which we may sometimes find ourselves; while the Perfect Ashlar demonstrates that perfection which all men seek.
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Santa Anna’s Masonic Apron

10. “The Last Hero” Brother Alfonso Steele
Wounded in the first volley; fought until the end
General Sam Houston finished the Battle on Brother Steele’s horse
Lived until 1911 in Limestone County
Portrait (at left) in the Texas Archives
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018

11. Thanks! www.knobcreek401.org Questions?
This presentation, the “Last Hero” poem, and sources will be available online at:
Questions?
Compiled by Knob Creek Lodge #401 A.F.&A.M.
Saturday, November 17, 2018