The Texians' dreams of independence from the tyrrany of Santa Anna seemed hopeless. The well-organized and equipped Mexican army had shattered the formations of the Texian settlers who were in full flight.
General Sam Houston led a retreat of his small force almost to the border with the United States. The Texians, who numbered only 910 men, were running out of room to retreat further. They were also out of patience and eager to strike at their enemies.
While the Texian army was not in sight of the main body of Santa Anna's soldiers, its general location was known. Santa Anna, overconfident, did not even post sentries for his force of 1,360 men. This arrogance, when matched against the courage of the Texian fighters, was to be his undoing.
The Texians advanced on the resting Mexicans and overwhelmed them in a lopsided battle that lasted only 18 minutes. Santa Anna himself was captured the next day and compelled to sign a treaty guaranteeing the independence of Texas.
This pivotal event took place at a spot of ground now known as San Jacinto, which we Texians pronounce with a hard J. A 555-foot tall obelisk rises over that spot. Visitors can climb to the top and look over the ground where Texas won its freedom.
Images: Painting by Henry Arthur McArdle, map by Stephen L. Hardin, photo by Tijuana Brass.
Commenting on Neatorama will earn you NeatoPoints!