Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, was a pivotal conflict in the Texas Revolution, marking a significant moment in Texas's struggle for independence from Mexico. Following the massacre at the Alamo, Texan leader Sam Houston retreated eastward in a movement known as the Runaway Scrape, with many settlers fleeing in fear. Houston established a defensive position at the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou, where he prepared for confrontation with Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
On the day of the battle, Houston's troops launched a surprise attack during the Mexican siesta, rallying cries of "Remember the Alamo!" to motivate their assault. The engagement was swift, lasting only about twenty minutes, resulting in significant Mexican casualties, including hundreds killed and taken prisoner, compared to minimal losses on the Texan side. The battle concluded with the capture of Santa Anna, who was found disguised as a corporal. The victory at San Jacinto ultimately secured Texas's independence, elevating Houston to hero status and solidifying the Alamo's legendary status in Texan history.
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Battle of San Jacinto
Type of action: Ground battle in the Texan War of Independence
Date: April 21, 1836
Location: LaPorte, Harris County, Texas
Combatants: 900 Texans vs. 1,600 Mexicans
Principal commanders:Texan, General Sam Houston (1793–1863); Mexican, President Antonio López de Santa Anna (1794–1876)
Result: Decisive Texan victory
When news of the Alamo massacre reached Sam Houston in Gonzales (March 11), he retreated east, followed by many terrified settlers in a move known as the Runaway Scrape. He eluded the pursuing Mexicans for more than a month, then established a strong defensive position at the inner confluence of the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou (April 20). Antonio López de Santa Anna camped about fifteen hundred yards downstream. The next morning, Houston ordered Erastus “Deaf” Smith to destroy Vince’s Bridge, thus blocking the only escape route for both armies and preventing further Mexican reinforcements.
About noon, Houston determined a course of action. At 3:30 p.m., his men sneaked across no-man’s-land in a wide skirmish line as the Mexicans were enjoying their siesta, then suddenly attacked, yelling “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad! Remember La Bahia!” The battle lasted about twenty minutes. Texan losses were 9 killed and 30 wounded, against 630 Mexicans killed, 208 wounded, and 730 taken prisoner. Santa Anna, disguised as a corporal, was captured the next day.
Significance
Texas won its independence from Mexico, the Alamo became a legend, and Houston became a hero.
Bibliography
Boethel, Paul C. Colonel Amasa Turner: The Gentleman from Lavaca and Other Captains at San Jacinto. Austin, Tex.: Von Boeckmann-Jones, 1963.
Dixon, Sam Houston, and L. W. Kemp. The Heroes of San Jacinto. Houston: Anson Jones, 1932.
Kemp, L. W., and Ed Kilman. The Battle of San Jacinto and the San Jacinto Campaign. Houston: Anson Jones, 1947.
Nevin, David. “‘Fight and Be Damned!’ Said Sam Houston.” Smithsonian 23, no. 4 (July, 1992).
Pohl, James W. The Battle of San Jacinto. Austin: Texas State Historical Association, 1989.
Wharton, Clarence R. San Jacinto: The Sixteenth Decisive Battle. Houston: Lamar, 1930.
Williams, John Hoyt. Sam Houston: The Life and Times of the Liberator of Texas, an Authentic American Hero. New York: Promontory Press, 1993.