San Jacinto Victory

April 1836

Before the BattleSanta Anna believed he was pushing the Texans out of his countryTexans retreated north of San Felipe to find a safe place for trainingHe 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 BattleSanta Anna moved south to wait on General Urrea’s troops from GoliadSanta Anna thought the revolution had endedNext move was one of Santa Anna’s biggest mistakes of the entire warHe learned President Burnet and government team were in HarrisburgHe took 1,000 of his best troops to Harrisburg to capture the Texas government – Mistake #1

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

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

April 20, 1836In the evening, Santa Anna moved his troops behind a ridge and into the woods for shadeMistake #2 - ridge line kept Santa Anna from seeing Houston’s camp and preparationsCamps were about 1 mile apartMexican troops worked through the night to build a barrier for protectionThey 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 1,300Texan army had 900 menHouston sent “Deaf” Smith to destroy Vince’s BridgeSent clear message – no more Mexican troops could arrive to help – no army could retreatNo pulling back – conquer or be conquered!

Preparing for BattleHouston called for a war council at noonHe considered the mood of his soldiersPutting off the attack another day might cause a revolt among his troopsHe formed the battle plan and Thomas Rusk, Secretary of War, approved itThe 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 SeguinJust 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 AttackHouston took his place at the center of the battle line on his white stallion, SaracenTwo days earlier, Houston told his men “Remember the Alamo and Goliad”No speech given before the attackHouston told his men to hold their fire until they could make it countFrom his horse, Houston drew his sword and yelled “Forward–Texas”

Sam Houston and Saracen

Battle of San JacintoHouston’s men moved toward the Mexican camp quietlyThe 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 individuallyHouston struck in the ankle with a musket ball

Battle of San JacintoThe battle lasted 18 minutes and the Mexicans surrendered – many tried to run awaySanta Anna and General Cos both fled and did not see the Mexican army surrender630 Mexicans died in battle730 Mexican prisoners9 Texans died and 30 were woundedSanta Anna was captured the next day dressed like a regular soldier

Battle of San Jacinto

Significance of BattleMany Texans wanted to execute Santa AnnaHouston spared the lives of the prisonersSanta Anna was worth more alive than deadHouston forced Santa Anna to order the remaining Mexican troops out of TexasSan Jacinto was the key battle of the Texas RevolutionSanta Anna became a prisoner of war and Houston became a great Texas hero

SanJacinto

SanJacinto

April 21,1836

3:30 p.m.

SanJacinto

April 21,1836

3:30 p.m.18 minutes

SanJacinto

April 21,1836

3:30 p.m.18 minutes

“Rememberthe Alamo

and Goliad”

SanJacinto

April 21,1836

3:30 p.m.

9 Texans 630 Mexicans

Died

18 minutes

“Rememberthe Alamo

and Goliad”

SanJacinto

April 21,1836

3:30 p.m.

9 Texans 630 Mexicans

Died

18 minutes

Santa Anna is POW

Houstonis hero

“Rememberthe Alamo

and Goliad”

Battle of San Jacinto

San Jacinto Monument